ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Fernando Andraca Herreros, known as 'Nani', passed away in July. A businessman from Cantabria, he became active in the cleaning sector in the late 1970s, combining his business life with efforts to strengthen industry representation. In 1981 he was a founding member of FENAEL (National Federation of Cleaning Companies), the first national association for the sector in Spain.

Through that organisation he contributed to gaining recognition for employers in collective bargaining, advisory bodies of the Ministry of Finance, training initiatives linked to EU funds, and representation in European quality committees.

Andraca was instrumental in building international links for the industry. In 1987 he helped establish cooperation with French organisations and, with his knowledge of languages, became central to developing wider international relations.

In 1988 he was elected vice president of EFCI (European Cleaning and Facility Services Industry), furthering Spain's role in European sector representation. His organisational skills and financial oversight made him a key figure in FENAEL's growth and credibility. Colleagues recall his commitment to creating a more visible, unified cleaning sector both nationally and internationally.