History & Culture

Since its beginning in Atlanta, GA in 1937, Zep Inc.’s focus has been to offer customers the most comprehensive selection of top-quality industrial cleaning products in the industry, delivered with superior customer service and unmatched technical support.

Launched by Mandle Zaban, his brother Sam, and colleagues William Eplan and Sam Powell, the original Zep Manufacturing Co. was funded with a $6,000 loan from Mandle Zaban’s life insurance policy. By the end of that first year, the janitorial supplies company’s sales totaled just under $100,000.

Zaban’s son Erwin, who began working at the company after dropping out of high school at age 15, later took over the business, which merged with National Linen Service in 1962 to become National Service Industries Inc. (NSI). By that time, Zep Manufacturing Co.’s business had expanded into a full line of cleaning and sanitation products.

In 1968, Zep purchased Selig Industries, a move that helped to expand the company’s chemicals division. Founded in 1896, Selig had built its reputation as the “Solutions People,” providing tailored cleaning products and programs to the industrial and institutional markets. Today, the Selig products are available to the consumer market at select retailers.

One sales representative, Harry Maziar, became so successful with the Zep product line he was named the company’s first director of sales. He was then appointed president of Zep Manufacturing Co. in March 1971. Rapid growth marked Mazier’s tenure at Zep during the 1970s and 1980s. Meanwhile, the parent company was creating more successful sister companies under the NSI umbrella, including National Chemical. By the early 1990s, NSI’s strategic business acquisitions and dispositions had left it with five other key divisions beyond chemicals: lighting (the precursor division to Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc.), linen supplies, insulation, envelopes, and marketing services.

By the late 1990s, the company had evolved again.  Further dispositions and acquisitions were made during that time, including the purchase in 1997 of Enforcer Products, Inc., a maker of home and garden products such as insecticides and herbicides, and plumbing and cleaning solutions. As a result of the Enforcer acquisition, Zep was able to expand its presence into retail with the development of the Zep Commercial product line for The Home Depot.

In 2001, the Zep®, Selig™, Enforcer® and National Chemical® brands were maintained under NSI Chemicals Group which later became Acuity Specialty Products, Inc., a business segment of Acuity Brands, Inc., during Acuity’s spin off from National Services Industries, Inc.

In 2007, Acuity Brands, Inc., announced plans to separate Acuity Specialty Products, Inc. from its sister company, Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc., and to rename the new independent, public company Zep Inc.