Business Spotlight

KLEEN-TEX REOPENS US MANUFACTURING IN LAGRANGE

Kleen-Tex, a global manufacturer of commercial and residential entrance mats, marks its reentry into the US market with the opening of a new production facility. Kleen-Tex exited the US market in 2008 to focus on growth opportunities within its international businesses located within Europe, Asia, South Africa, and Brazil. After importing products from some of these locations, the company decided it was time to reestablish manufacturing in the town of their original founding.

“We’re excited to be coming back with even better products, a long-term growth strategy and a wealth of global experience,” explained CEO Bruce Howard. “We look forward to serving past customers once again, as well as developing new and exciting sales channels for our Hurley Link Mats and Studio 67 Residential Mats.”

Upon the purchase of their current 50,000+ square-foot manufacturing plant, KleenTex engaged in building renovations, installation of equipment, and recruiting, hiring and training of team members. “Incredibly, the building purchased is the same one where my father and I started the business in 1967,” stated founder Ralph Howard, Jr., and where the duo first envisioned and developed the rubberbacked, washable floor mat. This product would become an essential part of the Industrial Laundry industry worldwide. “With our return to LaGrange, the KleenTex worldwide success story can be seen as truly coming full circle,” interjected Jocelyn Howard Scott, EVP.