ITU AbsorbTech Celebrates its 90th Anniversary
November 3, 2020
New Berlin, WI – ITU AbsorbTech is celebrating its 90th 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.
Company News
- Recognized by MMSD and ReWa for Water ConservationAugust 11, 2023
- ITU AbsorbTech Named a 2023 Top WorkplaceMay 19, 2023
Google Rating
4.9
4.9
Hallman Lindsay Greenfield
20:59 30 Jan 20
We have used ITU Absorbtech at our location for years now. Skyler always does a great job. He is very professional and efficient.read more
Kim Hoffman
18:51 30 Jan 20
ITU has been Venango Steel's uniform and mat supplier for nine years. It has been a great partnership. The quality of the products meets or exceeds expectations. Jeff Miller is our representative and Chad Prather is our route driver. They go the extra step to keep the customer happy !
Thank you Jeff & Chad !read more
Randy Groth
14:48 30 Jan 20
Our rep is Branislov and our manager is Kieth both are very friendly and give us great service. We have had ITU for over 40 years. I like what they do for "coats for kids" by cleaning all the donated clothes. Also they are a very environmentally aware company.read more
john wyszkowski
15:50 29 Jan 20
CDM Tool has been using ITU for a long time. They have dedicated drivers. Bob our driver knows our company so well, he is able to tell based on our supply's that are used how business is going. He then adjusts so we don't overpay. The best part is that they don't create more work for me. We have never had an issue with lost uniforms.read more
Krystal Smith
15:16 24 Jan 20
L&S Insulation has been a customer for many years and Absorbtech has really reliable mats, always fresh and clean. Skyler has amazing customer service and is super friendly. :)read more
Jeff Foshey
00:40 05 Feb 19
Family owned company that truly takes care of their employees and customers as if they were family!!!
Jessica Wasmuth
19:54 23 Jan 18
Customer service is great! Dave and Bernie are amazing, very helpful and respond quickly. Staff is friendly and professional.read more
Dan Behmke
16:35 20 Dec 17
Bob Casey is my route driver, very nice guy, always takes care of everything. I have been with ITU for better than 20 years, I would never change. Merry Christmas Bob C.read more
Krystle Genz
17:12 15 Dec 17
Very easy to work with. Matt is a phenomenal salesman, great personality. Brian our service representative is always very courteous and pleasant to work with. A great change for our company and glad we are doing business with them.read more
Amy Kreckler
20:37 01 Dec 17
Our company has done business with ITU for 15+ years. They give good prices and good customer service. I would recommend them. Easy to deal with. (AFI Direct Service, Inc.)read more
Deborah Young
16:16 28 Nov 17
Bob Casey is our representative and has been for many years. Bob always has a smile and is very upbeat. It is a pleasure to have Bob as our rep!read more
My Account
17:05 22 Nov 17
Bob Casey is extremely helpful and always upbeat! He always has our companies best interests in mind, making suggestions to that end and is great at communication. I look forward to working with Bob for many more years!read more
Todd Birkel
16:15 22 Nov 17
Our Route Representative, Bob Casey, is very conscientious, courteous and extremely helpful. He continually looks for areas we can improve or adjust as our usage and needs evolve, and suggest products as appropriate.
Thank youread more