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Our zero waste solutions support
sustainability and safety in industry.

We are a family-owned environmental
services company started in 1930.

Our Company

Genuine Service Excellence logo from ITU AbsorbTech

About ITU AbsorbTech

We’ve been delivering cleaner, safer solutions to companies since 1930, growing to become one of the largest independently owned and operated industrial laundries in the United States. Family-owned for four generations, we focus on sustainable business practices.

A cornerstone of our business is Genuine Service Excellence—providing attentive, personalized service through a team whose experience and tenure are unmatched in the industry. By listening to your needs and following through, we build lasting relationships based on trust and reliability.

Our standards are highlighted in our core business tenets, and we look to partner with companies that share our values.

Portrait

Craig Bald

ITU AbsorbTech President & CEO

Our processing facilities are registered to ISO 14001:2015 by Intertek.

Awards and Recognition

We have proudly earned a number of awards recognizing our excellence in the areas of safety, sustainability, and organizational development.

ITU AbsorbTech History

1920
1920
1908 – A Family Tradition
In 1930, a fleet of Industrial Towel vehicles delivers Kex towels to customers

George H. Leef and his brother Harry started cleaning railroad coveralls in 1908 as the Minneapolis Wet Wash Laundry. In 1930, operations began in Milwaukee as the Industrial Service Company.

1930
1930
1929 – The Great Depression Era
1930's World's Largest Washing Machine

A Milwaukee facility was started in the late 20’s. The Milwaukee operation continued through the Depression. George moved to Milwaukee to run it in the early 30’s and Industrial Service Co. was split off as a separate company, servicing coveralls and Kex shop towels. George H. Leef’s son, George L.…Read More

1940
1940
1940 – Growth During World War II
Industrial Service Co. experience growth during WWII

Industrial Service Co. purchased De-Luxe Laundry in Milwaukee, and both plants saw dramatic growth in shop towel usage as manufacturers worked around the clock during World War II. Dry cleaning processing was introduced to process leather gloves. Industrial Service Co. expanded service with relays to several distribution depots making it…Read More

1960
1960
1960 – Product Expansion
ITU AbsorbTech, formerly known as Industrial towel, at a tradeshow in 1962

The company name changed to Industrial Towel & Uniform, Inc. The Neenah, WI, plant was built. It was the first “design for use” industrial laundry facility constructed to efficiently process new products such as walk mats, rental uniforms, and washroom towels. George H. Leef passed away and George L. Leef…Read More

1970
1970
1970 – New Corporate Headquarters
1970 – New Corporate Headquarters

The new ITU corporate headquarters was built in New Berlin, WI as a state-of-the-art water wash and dry cleaning facility. Route service was expanded into Illinois and several more local laundry operations were purchased. Jim Leef joined the organization.

1980
1980
1980 – New Technology
ITU AbsorbTech invests in solar panels

ITU introduced several new technologies to both plants, including solar heating of process water, as well as new wastewater pretreatment technologies and significant process water recycling. Dry cleaning technology improved with the addition of solvent recovery dryers to that New Berlin process. Alternative fueled vehicles were tested. Desktop computing ushered…Read More

1990
1990
1990 – SorbIts®
SorbIts quilted pad #1 product for industrial oil spill clean up, absorbent technology, reusable environmentally friendly industrial clean up services, reusable oil absorbent pad

ITU created SorbIts® – The Waste Free Absorbent System. AbsorbTech, LLC was created and built a state-of-the-art dry clean processing plant in South Bend, IN. ITU developed a patented solvent recovery system for printer towels. George L. Leef retired as president and Jim and David Leef stepped in to lead…Read More

2000
2000
2000 – Service and Innovation
ITU AbsorbTech delivery truck

ITU purchased a laundry facility in western PA to enter markets in the Northeastern United States. AbsorbTech acquired businesses in Philadelphia, PA and a plant in Piedmont, SC to expand service areas farther eastern and southeast. ITU developed the “No Boundaries” service model to support customers outside of the traditional…Read More