Case study: CMBM & Bundaberg Sugar

Challenge – 1

Provide cleaning services during peak traffic

Keeping industrial sites clean is no small task, and Bundaberg Sugar is no exception. As one of Bundaberg’s busiest commercial operations, the site runs year-round, with increased activity during the crush season from June to December—sometimes extending into January. During this peak period, the workforce nearly doubles, with more than 180 additional employees and around 200 contractors on-site. On top of that, approximately 150 trucks move in and out of the facility seven days a week. One of the biggest challenges for our team is working around the client’s schedule to minimise disruption during cleaning.

Solution

Time Management and Flexibility 

Unlike traditional cleaning services that work after hours, CMBM’s Bundaberg commercial cleaning team cleans during business hours to ensure minimal disruption. With over 200 employees working in offices and production plants and 200 trucks moving across the site daily, a structured and flexible approach is essential. 

CMBM has developed an efficient time management system that includes: 

• A structured cleaning schedule tailored to site operations 
• Signage and clear communication with staff to maintain safety 
• Three key points of contact on-site for streamlined coordination 
• Morning-only cleaning shifts to optimize workflow 
• A spreadsheet-based scheduling system that maps out cleaning tasks across the refinery, admin offices, mill production, and icing plant

By carefully planning cleaning activities around the busiest site operations, CMBM ensures that high-traffic areas remain clean and safe without interrupting essential processes. 

Challenge – 2

Extreme heat onsite  

Another major challenge is the heat. The refinery and crushing plant generate intense heat during production, and with  Queensland’s hot climate, conditions on-site can become extremely challenging with the heat. 

Solution

Provide icy poles during break time  

Working in full protective gear under extreme heat is challenging — it’s physically demanding and can quickly lead to dehydration and fatigue. To support our team and help them stay cool and safe on the job, we’ve introduced Hydrolyte icy poles as a refreshing way to keep their hydration levels up. These electrolyte-packed treats not only help replenish essential fluids but also offer a much-needed boost during long, hot days on-site. Most importantly, our management team checks on staff regularly to make sure they are well and fit for work.