A MIDLAND cleaning firm is expanding its operation into Canada with the target of generating £16m ($25m) in sales over the next five years.

Smethwick based Chemex, which distributes specialist cleaning and hygiene products, was launched over 25 years ago and has more than 65 franchised operations in the UK, Europe, Scandinavia, the Mediterranean and North America.

The firm provides hygiene control programmes to customers including ambulance trusts, government departments, blue-chip corporations and Michelin- starred restaurants.

Michael Graham, managing director of Chemex, said negotiations for the licence rights had now been concluded and the firm would be pushing ahead with the Canadian expansion.

The move into Canada is part of a wider series of initiatives by the company as it looks to increase the size of the business. Steps include trials of revolutionary techniques to eliminate harmful bacteria and the establishment of a new telemarketing team.

During the last six months Chemex has recruited more than 90 new clients a month in the UK alone. Mr said much of the success could be attributed to the firm’s diverse product range, the training it provided staff and the knowledge and customer – centred approach of its franchisees.