ITU AbsorbTech Celebrates its 90th Anniversary

November 3, 2020

New Berlin, WI – ITU AbsorbTech is celebrating its 90^th anniversary on November 3, 2020.

The company started servicing rental shop towels in 1930 at a small laundry set up in West Allis, Wis. under the name Industrial Service Company. Through the early years, the primary product line was Kex shop towels.

The business steadily grew through the WWII years while Wisconsin manufacturers were running at full speed to support the war effort.

“Creativity and ingenuity were essential to operating,” says Jim Leef, president of ITU AbsorbTech. “Virtually everything during the war years was in short supply or was rationed.”

In 1969, ITU AbsorbTech’s Neenah plant made history as one of the first and largest buildings to be constructed as an industrial laundry facility.

With this facility, the company pioneered innovative systems such as water reuse, wastewater pretreatment, and solar water heating to support the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

The company continued to grow and make acquisitions throughout the Midwest and east coast.  The product line grew to include floor mats, mops, cotton roll towels, first aid services, and SorbIts®.

The company’s zero waste solutions have made a huge impact on customers and surrounding communities. Its reuse programs eliminate single-use products that would otherwise end up in a landfill, resulting in a reduction of over 1.4 million lbs. of solid waste per year for manufacturers.

The third and fourth generation of the Leef family are committed to continuing the company’s tradition of Genuine Service Excellence, process and service innovation, environmental stewardship, and community involvement.

“ITU AbsorbTech’s history has been one of sound steady growth,” says Leef.  “Our success over the years is a testament to the strong values we’ve upheld throughout our 90 years in business.”

ITU AbsorbTech now has 12 locations throughout the US, including five processing plants registered to ISO 14001:2015 by SAI Global.