Wash Robot for finishing and nursery barns deliver 6-month return at Reicks View Farms
In the summer of 2024, Reicks View Farms approached Washpower looking for ideas on how to improve the washing process in their finishing and nursery barns. The main goal was to find technologies to reduce labor, time, and create a better working environment. Reicks View Farms is a large producer in the US with +70,000 sows and operates an internal wash crew responsible for cleaning barns.
Although there was skepticism around using robotic power washing, a demo was scheduled for July 2024. After getting the robot set up in one of Reicks View Farms’ finishing barns, the potential quickly became apparent. The robot cleaned the barn efficiently with minimal touch-ups. In addition, it was able to clean significantly faster compared to manually washing.
Isaac Hover (Biosecurity oversight at Reicks View Farms) says:
“At first, we weren’t sure a robot could handle the job, but after seeing it in action, we were sold. It’s faster and makes the washing process work a lot easier for the crew.”
As a result, Reicks View Farms decided to purchase the robot on the spot and integrate it into their washing routine. The trailer they previously used to transport the manual power washers was modified to fit the robot. The wash team quickly found a routine with the robot and discovered that the most effective workflow was to set up the robot and do manual touch ups while it’s running.
This approach allowed the team to wash a barn with one less person while still being faster than before. This led to a quick return on investment (ROI) in just about six months based solely on labor savings. In addition, the robot also provided a safer working environment resulting in less work compensation claims.
Today, Reicks View Farms operates 11 wash robots in both finishing, nurseries, and farrowing barns. The 1st robot purchased by Reicks View Farms has now logged an impressive 1,000 operational hours in one year, and the rest of fleet is close behind.
At Washpower, we greatly value our partnership with Reicks View Farms and look forward to continuing to support their success with our robotic power washing technology.