Case Study: Helping GSP Stay the Cleanest Airport

Strategic partnership results in award-winning cleanliness

The Problem

Maintaining round-the-clock cleanliness in an international airport is no small task. Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) operates 24/7, with traffic and footfall similar to that of a college campus, but without breaks or downtime. Unlike office buildings or schools that close in the evening, airports require continuous cleaning services. Additionally, staffing janitorial teams at airports presents unique challenges.

“You’re going to have obstacles in this business that you don’t have in other industries because it is like a constant living organism, constantly moving and growing,” said Hunt Mitchell, Terminal and Environmental Manager at GSP. “The janitorial business is not necessarily the most glamorous business in the world, which can make finding and retaining employees hard, and sometimes it’s more difficult at airports because you have to follow a strict badging procedure, qualifying employees to work there.”

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)

operates 24/7

with traffic and footfall similar to that of a college campus, but without breaks or downtime.

Our Solution

To meet the demands of a high-traffic facility like GSP, The Budd Group delivered more than just cleaning services. They brought innovation, structure, and a true partnership. Their approach began with tailoring the janitorial program specifically for the unique needs of an airport.

“We were able to dig in together and make some long-term changes from the ground up, and it’s really made a difference,” said Mitchell. “They’re not just treating this like a school or manufacturing site. It’s a different beast, and they understand that.”

From implementing robotic cleaning equipment like an automatic floor scrubber nicknamed Dirt Reynolds that is used during overnight hours to exploring smart restroom technology, The Budd Group has taken an innovative approach to GSP’s facility services program.

The Budd Group has also maintained strong staffing levels through proactive recruitment and planning, keeping job requisitions open even when not actively hiring. Their leadership is hands-on, flexible, and deeply involved.

“They know how to overcome obstacles,” said Mitchell. “They partnered with us, even during COVID, when they didn’t necessarily have to. That went a long way.”

The Results

Thanks to this proactive partnership, GSP has been named the Cleanest Airport in North America for three consecutive years, alongside other accolades for best overall airport and top passenger experience.

“Very few win the cleanest airport,” Mitchell said. “To have that award is really nice, and The Budd Group had a big hand in making that happen.”

The Budd Group’s ability to adapt, innovate, and align its program to GSP’s complex needs has not only earned trust from GSP but sets the standard for janitorial service delivery for airports.

“They don’t make excuses. They come up with solutions and take ownership when mistakes happen,” Mitchell concluded. “It’s a good partnership, good people to do business with, and I have enjoyed working with them.”