OUR STORY

Making the Planet Cleaner, Safer, and More Productive

Zep is more than just another cleaning company. We are a passionate group who have been perfecting cleaning formulas for over 85 years with one purpose: Make the planet cleaner, safer, and more productive. Zep products are all formulated with a dedicated R&D team who knows the science of cleaning everything safely and effectively, from a small stain on a carpet to some of the toughest messes on Earth. At Zep, we care about cleaning because that is all we do. Upgrade your clean and experience the Zep difference!

1937

In 1937, three entrepreneurs, Mandle Zaban, William Eplan, and Saul Powell founded Zep with a vision of creating value for customers by offering a comprehensive selection of top quality industrial and janitorial cleaning products, delivered with unique chemistry formulations, superior service, and unmatched technical support.

1962

Zep was acquired by National Linen Service Inc. and later became a subsidiary of National Service Industries Inc. (“NSI”), a diversified industrial and service conglomerate.

1968

Zep acquired Selig Chemical Industries, a move that helped to expand the company’s chemical portfolio. Selig had built its reputation as the “Solutions People,” providing tailored cleaning products and programs to the industrial and institutional markets.

1969-1996

The next several decades ushered in an era of domestic and international expansion for Zep as the company grew organically and through acquisition.

1997

Zep, as a part of NSI, acquired Enforcer Products, Inc., a maker of home and garden products such as insecticides, herbicides, plumbing and cleaning solutions. As a result of the Enforcer acquisition, Zep expanded its presence in the retail channel with the development of the Zep Commercial product line.

2001

Zep, along with NSI’s lighting equipment business, were spun off from National Service Industries into a newly formed entity Acuity Brands, Inc.

2007

Zep emerged as an independent, publicly traded company under the name Zep Inc. As an independent company once again, Zep invested in growing the business and acquired world-class brands such as Black Magic®, Blue Coral®, Country Vet®, De.Solv.It®, Enforcer®, Misty®, Mykal™, Niagara™, Original Bike Spirits®, Rexodan, Rain-X®, TimeMist®.

2010

Zep completed two strategic acquisitions to significantly expand its distribution capabilities across the United States. The first acquisition was Amrep Inc., a national provider of janitorial and sanitation solutions. The second acquisition is Waterbury Companies Inc., a leading provider of chemicals, janitorial supplies, and equipment to the food service industry.

2015

Zep Inc. became a private company and now has significant financial and strategic resources to support future growth initiatives which include expansion in existing markets, development of new products, new market opportunities and acquisitions.

2017

In 2017, Zep entered into an agreement to purchase AFCO, a leading specialty chemical and food safety provider serving the food and beverage processing industry. This combination brought together highly complementary portfolios and organizations and enabled both companies to expand service offerings and expertise to their food & beverage processing customers and the broader markets served by the company.

2022

Zep introduces the Home Pro portfolio of products, expanding
its presence to grocery and mass retailers, including dollar and club channels. Home Pro safely combines premium scents and the cleaning results of Zep across a complete suite of products for the home. 

Purpose & Values

At Zep, we have developed a vision, mission, purpose, and set of values focused on bringing even greater cohesion to our workplace. As part of this plan, we introduced a values framework called S.P.E.E.D. to align with our mission “to deliver superior and differentiated solutions, service and technical expertise,” and our vision “to be the number one or number 2 solutions provider in every market segment in which we compete.”

Our Purpose

To make the planet safer, cleaner, and more productive.

Our Mission

We deliver superior and differentiated solutions, service, and technical expertise.

Our Vision

We aspire to be the number one or number 2 solutions provider in every market segment in which we compete.

ZEP Values

SPEED - Stewardship

We continuously improve the safety of our people and products, and we protect the planet by innovating solutions to reduce our environmental impact.

SPEED - Passion for problem solving

We listen to our customers and actively work to find solutions for their unique situations. We think creatively to innovate and seize on opportunities that drive growth and make all of our customers’ and consumers’ lives better.

SPEED - Empowerment

We encourage and lead our people to be accountable by equipping them to make decisions and own the outcomes.

SPEED - Expertise

We create innovative solutions and partnerships that are relevant to service our communities and customers.

SPEED - Doing the right thing

We expect our people to understand ethical boundaries and be inclusive of other backgrounds, ideas, and perspectives. Demonstrating honesty, respect and integrity in all actions is always expected.