5 Leading National Janitorial Companies That Subcontract

Janitorial companies are leveraging subcontractors for efficient operations. Learn the advantages and drawbacks of subcontracting in the cleaning industry.

3 min read

professional cleaners wiping windows in an office building

The biggest national janitorial companies that subcontract in the United States include ABM Industries, ServiceMaster Clean, Jani-King, Pritchard Industries, and Planned Companies. Subcontracting allows these major businesses to reduce operational costs and broaden their service offerings.

Keep reading to learn more about these commercial cleaning companies and why subcontracting works for them.

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What Is Subcontracting and How Does It Benefit Janitorial Companies?

Subcontracting is an arrangement where a contractor outsources services to a subcontractor. This business practice offers several advantages, including:

  • Leveraging the subcontractor’s resources, expertise, and specialized skills 
  • Fulfilling operational needs
  • Improving efficiency while reducing overhead costs
  • Meeting seasonal demand without hiring new employees

However, subcontracting comes with challenges, such as:

  • Ensuring subcontractors meet requirements, maintain high service quality, and comply with labor laws
  • Coordinating projects smoothly
  • Controlling unexpected outcomes, especially complaints from clients

Key Takeaway: Hiring subcontractors offers flexibility for your janitorial cleaning business, allowing you to focus on core business operations and broaden services using external expertise. Still, it involves certain risks and requires choosing the right subcontractors that meet company standards.

5 Leading National Janitorial Companies With Subcontracting Practices

The following major players subcontract services for efficient operations and strategic growth. 

1. ABM Industries

A top provider of facility solutions, ABM Industries has over 123,000 employees across 300+ offices in the United States and internationally.

  • The company offers subcontracting opportunities for commercial cleaning and maintenance services, focusing heavily on eco-friendly cleaning and sustainability.
  • By outsourcing certain cleaning tasks, ABM provides specialized services without hiring additional full-time employees. 

2. ServiceMaster Clean

Operating for over 70 years, ServiceMaster Clean is a multi-million-dollar cleaning franchise providing affordable cleanup and maintenance services.

This cleaning company serves more than 75,000 residential and commercial properties daily.

  • Subcontracting helps ServiceMaster Clean handle large work volumes while maintaining consistent service quality.
  • The cleaning company ensures subcontractors adhere to best practices and perform strict disinfection processes.

3. Jani-King

Jani-King is a global commercial cleaning leader with more than 6,600 unit franchises across 10 countries.

This commercial cleaning company offers janitorial services for office buildings, hotels, healthcare facilities, and other public spaces.

  • Jani-King offers state-of-the-art cleaning and deep cleaning services to promote health and safety in commercial sectors. Cleaners use hospital-grade disinfectants to prevent viral outbreaks.

4. Pritchard Industries

Pritchard Industries has been a trusted nationwide cleaning service provider for over three decades.

  • Pritchard Industries outsources disinfection and sanitization services, particularly for healthcare facilities.
  • The company ensures all cleaners, including subcontractors, provide quality services by implementing a specialized quality control monitoring system.

5. Planned Companies

Boasting over 125 years of expertise, Planned Companies offers well-rounded building solutions, including top-notch janitorial services.

  • Planned Companies provides eco-friendly and cost-effective cleaning services that include emergency response cleaning.
  • Subcontracting strategies allow the company to respond quickly to client demands.

Final Thoughts

Smart subcontracting practices can contribute to the success of your janitorial cleaning business, especially if you plan to scale your operations in a flexible way.

Discover how successful businesses attract clients with our analysis of the best cleaning company “About Us” examples.

Jane Pardo