Best known as a manufacturer of industrial and institutional (I&I) cleaners, Zep continues to make inroads on retail shelves. The company launched the Home Pro collection. The line includes 10 formulas, multi-purpose foaming bathroom cleaner; 2-in-1 marble, granite & quartz cleaner; heavy-duty orange plus kitchen degreaser; quick dry hardwood floor cleaner; fume-free oven, air fryer & microwave cleaner; quick clean disinfectant; streak-free multi-surface cleaner; all-purpose bathroom disinfectant; foaming pet stain eliminator; one pass mirror & glass cleaner. All were developed to deliver the next level of clean for every type of home.

Zep says the Home Pro line helps consumers clean smarter and in less time with commercial grade cleaning products developed for high efficiency home use. The full portfolio is formulated to keep every corner and surface sparkling clean while filling homes with spa-like aromas and refreshing scents including Eucalyptus, Sea Salt, Fresh Rain, Lemon, Orange Zest, Lavender and Sandalwood.

To get the word out to consumers, Zep partnered with Pavone to introduce the brand to new consumer audiences in more than 1,600 East Coast stores. The Pavone campaign brought the Zep brand to life for consumers under the banner of “Let There Be Mess” and targeted audiences both online and in stores. The campaign connected with consumers on multiple levels. In-store efforts included shelf talkers and box talkers in Harris Teeter, Target, Wakefern and Publix locations in 16 states. Online, Pavone used a mix of programmatic ads and paid social media  to target household category shoppers while leveraging click-to-cart technology. Sales rose 51% during the campaign and repeat sales demonstrated the long-lasting effects of the campaign.

“Zep’s products are well established and have a loyal following among cleaning professionals and consumers who aspire to use the best products for their cleaning needs,” said CEO Amy Hahn. “More consumers are discovering the value of Zep to clean their homes as we expand to new channels.”

Sales: $705 million

Zep formulas are available for professional and consumer use.

The industrial and institutional cleaning market was battered by the pandemic. Businesses are back, but savvy I&I players are looking elsewhere for growth. Earlier this year, for example, Zep expanded its portfolio with Home Pro, a line of cleaning products for homeowners. The line is said to feature superior cleaning technology with spa-like aromas and refreshing scents including Eucalyptus, Sea Salt, Fresh Rain, Lemon, Orange Zest, Lavender and Sandalwood.

The Home Pro collection includes 10 products: multi-purpose foaming bathroom cleaner; 2-in-1 Marble, Granite, & Quartz Cleaner; Heavy-Duty Orange Plus Kitchen Degreaser; Quick Dry Hardwood Floor Cleaner; Fume-Free Oven, Air Fryer & Microwave Cleaner; Quick Clean Disinfectant; Streak-Free Multi-Surface Cleaner; All-Purpose Bathroom Disinfectant; Foaming Pet Stain Eliminator and One Pass Mirror & Glass Cleaner.

In December, a racial discrimination lawsuit was filed against Zep by one of its Chicago-based employees. During a 2021 virtual training session, the plaintiff charged that a Zep vice president used a racial slur. The plaintiff was the only Black person in the virtual meeting, according to the suit.

Sales: $1 billion (estimated)

Zep’s Vision 2025 is a roadmap to make the world safer, cleaner and more productive. It begins with Zep’s commitment to its employees, customers, communities and board.

For its customers, last year Zep rolled out Zep Assure, a comprehensive cleaning and disinfection management compliance system for segments such as commercial passenger transportation, education, offices and venues, and other business operators. According to Zep, the evidence-based infection control strategies embedded in its Zep Assure Program help clients deliver an unprecedented level of protection, now and in the future.

Zep Assure follows CDC guidance for maintaining cleanliness and enhancing disinfection practices to reduce the risk of infection spread, while maintaining a safer, cleaner, and more productive environment for all employees. This program is comprised of specific products, protocols and service solutions that can be customized to support the unique micro-mitigation needs of individual institutions and businesses.

The program centers on a process of continuous protection measures for critical touch areas (CTAs) – or areas in frequent use by multiple users, such as light switches and door handles. It begins with deep cleaning porous and nonporous surfaces to remove built-up grime and soil. This is followed by disinfection using Zep products that have been accepted by the EPA to kill the virus that causes covid-19 as well as other pathogens. The final step is to apply Zep’s Assure Armor Surface Protectant Pro coating to create protection on both porous and non-porous surfaces. According to Zep, the coating is a long-lasting antimicrobial product that provides protection against microorganisms. This coating remains on the treated surface for up to 90 days and adds an extra layer of protection.

“Businesses that encompass a wide variety of group settings, such as schools, universities, or commercial transportation companies, face particular challenges in protecting against the coronavirus,” said Philip Thonhauser, chief technology officer. “The Zep Assure Program allows them to be confident in their ability to make these environments safer for students, employees and travelers.”

To ensure the safety of employees, Zep enhanced its data relevance by deploying new technology, which provides real-time reporting on workplace incidents to reduce future injuries among employees.

In other moves, Zep created employee action committees and diversity and inclusion roundtables to continue its commitment to an inclusive workplace that reflects the uniqueness of its employees, customers and suppliers. By 2025, Zep plans to increase the use of minority-owned suppliers and overall gender and ethnic diversity by 20%.

“We want our customers to have confidence in our products and processes,” said Matt Duncan, Zep’s chief administrative officer. “But we also want our customers to understand that we built Zep Stewardship from the inside out, and that starts with our people and our culture.”

In March, Daniel Smytka stepped down as CEO.

Sales: $942 million (estimated)

Zep, like other players in the I&I space, spent a portion of the past year testing its formulas to ensure their efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The US Environmental Protection Agency accepted several Zep formulas based on testing data. The acceptance was based on testing data submitted by Zep that showed its Zep Antibacterial Disinfectant & Cleaner with Lemon, Zep Spirit II Ready-To-Use Detergent Disinfectant, and Zep All-Purpose Bathroom Disinfectant Cleaner kill SARS-CoV-2 on hard, non-porous surfaces in 60 seconds.

Zep has seen an exponential lift in demand for the company’s EPA-registered disinfectant and hand sanitizing products since the start of the global pandemic. In the early days of the pandemic, Zep partnered with suppliers, third-party manufacturers and distributors to increase the availability of sanitizers and disinfecting products in the marketplace. In response to the pandemic, Zep introduced more than a dozen product solutions.

In September 2020, Zep acquired EcoClear LLC, a deep-cleaning solution provider that specializes in sanitizing and disinfecting food processing and refrigerated facilities. EcoClear was integrated into AFCO, a division of Zep and a specialty chemical and sanitation provider that serves the food and beverage processing industry. According to Zep, this combination enables EcoClear and AFCO|Zep to expand sanitation and food safety chemical and service expertise to the food and beverage customers that are served by both companies. Through this partnership, Zep is confident in the company’s capability to continue to deliver the best possible cleaning solutions with the best service to its customers.

“AFCO|Zep is honored to bring Brian Hindt and the EcoClear team into the AFCO food and beverage division,” said Bob Klinetob, senior VP and GM of AFCO. “Over the last few months during the worldwide pandemic, EcoClear’s staff and service-oriented approach have successfully provided immediate solutions in response to COVID-19 and other levels of food defense challenges. By integrating EcoClear into Zep’s portfolio, we add another level of solutions-based offerings for our valued customers.”

Sales: $924 million

Nearly a year ago, Atlanta-based maintenance and cleaning chemicals maker Zep Inc. elected former Goodyear Tire executive Dan Smytka as chief executive officer. He replaced Lou Purvis who held that title since 2017. Prior to this appointment, Smytka spent 11 years at the The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, most recently as president for Goodyear’s Global Off-Highway businesses. He also served as president and COO for Goodyear’s Europe Middle East and Africa region. His resume also includes time as president of the North American Building Systems & Services division of Carrier Corporation and as an executive for General Electric Co.

“With over three decades of experience successfully growing commercial and consumer revenue, market share and earnings for blue chip companies and in regions around the world, we are confident that Dan is an excellent fit for Zep,” said Ed Lonergan, executive chairman of Zep and senior advisor of New Mountain Capital, which bought Zep in 2015 for a deal worth $692 million and took the company private.

Sales: $706 million (estimated).

Zep is a leader in the I&I segment and a growing player in retail. Earlier this year, the company unveiled new product packaging and a new promotion campaign—Zep Next Level Clean.
In 2017, Zep completed the acquisition of AFCO, a specialty chemical and food safety provider serving the food and beverage industry. The move expanded Zep’s offerings into a new market.
According to ZEP CEO Lou Purvis, AFCO had a tremendous track record of growth in the food and beverage industry with a unique and unsurpassed approach to customer satisfaction.
Purvis said the combined resources and expertise of the companies will lead to unmatched customer service and will position the combined business for continued growth and success in its next stage of development.

Sales: $693 million (estimated).

Nearly a year ago, in August, Zep completed the acquisition of AFCO, a specialty chemical and food safety provider serving the food and beverage industry. The move expands Zep’s offerings into a new market.

According to ZEP CEO Lou Purvis, AFCO had a tremendous track record of growth in the food and beverage industry with a unique and unsurpassed approach to customer satisfaction. Mike Hinkle remains president and chief executive officer of the Chambersburg, PA company.

“Our goal is to become a unified and engaged organization, committed to customer excellence,” said Purvis in a statement. “The right way to accomplish this is by leveraging the best of each organization, while also respecting each organization’s existing culture and history. “

Purvis said the combined resources and expertise of the companies will lead to unmatched customer service and will position the combined business for continued growth and success in its next stage of development.

Both companies are privately-held, so there were no details on a purchase price. Sources estimate AFCO’s 2017 sales of $25 million. AFCO offers a full line of organic, conventional and custom cleaning products and sanitizers including Wyandotte Professional.

Sales: $680 million (estimated).

Since acquiring Zep a couple of years ago, New Mountain Capital has hacked away at employee numbers and, ultimately, morale, too. Following that $692 acquisition, NMF was expected to flip Zep, but there’s been no word that the I&I maker is on the selling block.

But things may get better for Zep as Ed Lonergan joined New Mountain earlier this year. Lonergan as more than 35 years of sales and general management experience with global consumer and b-to-b companies. He had been interim CEO at Zep when the deal with New Mountain went through. Before that, he was president and CEO of Diversey from 2006 to 2011 (when the company was sold) and prior to that, he was employed by P&G, Gillette and Chiquita Brands International.

Another key appointment is Lou Purvis who was named chief executive officer of Zep, Inc. in March. Prior to joining Zep, Purvis spent 15 years with Celanese and held a variety of global assignments across all business segments.

Sales: $700 million for the year ended Aug. 31, 2015.

Industrial and institutional cleaning products marketer Zep is in the hands of New Mountain Capital (NMC), a private equity group, following its $692 million acquisition last spring.

How long Zep stays with NMC is up in the air. Observers expect Zep to be flipped in two years or less.

New Mountain, headquartered in New York, is a private equity firm with more than $15 billion in capital commitments. The company seeks to acquire market leaders in selected defensive growth industries.

Sales: $696 million for the year ended August 31, 2014.

Zep’s got enough zing to get the attention of private equity. In May, the company agreed to be acquired by New Mountain Capital, L.L.C. in a $692 million deal. At $20.05 a share, investors received a hefty 23% premium over its 90-day volume weighted average stock price for the period ended April 7, 2015.

“During the past year, we conducted a thorough review of strategic opportunities to enhance value for all stakeholders, and we are pleased to have reached this agreement, which we believe delivers immediate and substantial cash value to our stockholders,” said John K. Morgan, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Zep Inc. “We also are confident that this transaction will allow Zep Inc. to continue to deliver the high quality products and services our customers have come to expect from us as well as provide additional opportunities for our associates from future growth and business building. New Mountain Capital is a strong investor with a proven track record as a business builder with substantial resources and expertise, and we look forward to continued success as a private company under their ownership.”

The move came just two months after Zep implemented organizational changes to accelerate organic growth. Steve Nichols was put in charge of commercial organizations, including the worldwide sales, marketing and R&D organizations for Zep, Zep Professional, Zep Commercial and all other Zep Inc. brands. Jeff Fleck added the additional responsibilities for customer service and international operations.

Last year, Zep’s sales rose 1%, but net income fell 44%. For the six months ended Feb. 28, 2015, sales rose less than 2% to $328 million.

Sales: $689 million. Net income: $15 million for the year ended August 31, 2013.

Sales rose more than 5% last year, driven by the acquisition of the Ecolab vehicle care business and price, which were partially offset by lower organic volume. Net income dropped more than 30%.

To boost sales, in February Zep said it would hire more than 100 sales associates and is focused on hiring both returning military personnel and professional sales associates skilled in targeted market areas.

For the second quarter of 2014, which ended March 31, sales declined 3.4% to just under $158 million. Zep blamed the decline, in part, to bad weather in the US. For the six months, sales totaled $322.7 million.

Last month, Original Bike Spirits by Zep Inc., a line of motorcycle cleaning and performance products, launched the Let Freedom Ride Photo Contest on Facebook, where fans have the chance of winning a 2014 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic motorcycle valued at $19,525. The contest asks participants to “Like” the Original Bike Spirits Facebook page and submit an original photograph that captures the free spirit of the American road for a chance to win the bike. The contest follows the conclusion of a contest that identified three of the dirtiest homes in America. Three “winners” each received a thorough home cleaning from Zep Commercial’s team of professional cleaners and $5,000 each to help keep their homes clean for a year.

“When we launched this contest we knew we’d get a look into some seriously grimy scenarios,” said John Callahan, VP-marketing, Zep Commercial. “(But) our contest winners are without a doubt the Hottest Messes we’ve ever seen.”

Sales: $654 million. Net income: $21.9 million for the year ended Aug. 31, 2012.

Sales for fiscal 2012 rose 1.2% to $654 million. There was an 8.7% increase in retail and 3.8% growth in distribution, which was offset by a 1.7% decline in sales and service. However, net income jumped nearly 26% to $21.9 million.

“We have made tremendous strides during the last two years to expand our market access through acquisitions,” said Zep president and CEO John K. Morgan. “We are now in a much stronger position to capitalize on our disciplined multi-channel and brand approach, and to better serve our customers.”

Morgan said he is confident that Zep has the right strategy, the right business model, and importantly, the right people to deliver continually improving results.

According to Morgan, an example of Zep’s performance in the past year is the significant advances made by its distribution and retail teams to expand sales through strategic customers. He explained, “We are expanding our brand and product offering with existing customers, and building programs with new distributors, to diversify our market presence in the retail channel with the increased nationwide visibility of our products.”

For example, the Zep Commercial brand went from being available in more than 4,000 locations at the start of fiscal 2011 to more than 7,000 major retail outlets in North America at the end of fiscal 2012.

In 2012, Zep expanded its European market presence with the acquisition of The Hale Group and Mykal Industries with the Forward Chemical, Rexodan, Mykal and De-Solv-It brands.

A goal for fiscal 2013 was to fortify its vehicle care sector, which Zep accomplished by acquiring Ecolab’s car care business. For the nine months, ended May 31, 2013, sales rose 5% to $507.4 million.

Sales: $646 million. Net income: $17.4 million for the year ended Aug. 31, 2011.

Through a combination of acquisitions and improved customer mix, Zep’s sales rose more than 13% last year and net income was up more than 20%. The US accounted for 79% of sales, followed by Canada (12%) and Europe (9%).

During fiscal 2011, Zep completed the integration of the Amrep, Waterbury, and Niagara acquisitions. Without them, Zep’s sales actually declined about $23 million last year. The company noted that many of its customers are small business owners who have struggled during the prolonged economic downturn.
Those acquisitions have helped the company transform its sales channels to mirror the market. For example, back in 2007, 86% of corporate sales were direct, 13% came from retailers and just 1% was from distributors. By the end of fiscal 2011, the percentages had changed to direct (62%), distributors (22%) and retailers (16%). For comparison sake, the US cleaning maintenance chemicals market breaks out like this: direct (21%), distributors (44%) and retailer (35%). Zep’s retail business just keeps expanding. In January, the company announced that 50 Zep products will be sold in Lowe’s. Home Depot, however, remains Zep’s biggest retail customer.

Zep continues to expand internationally as well. Last month, it completed the acquisition of Mykal Industries Limited (UK) for an undisclosed price. Mykal is a leading manufacturer of a broad range of branded and private label cleaning and degreasing products for the European retail, do-it-yourself and professional distribution markets. The products and services offered by Mykal include De.Solv.It, a top-selling brand of stain removers in the UK as well as the Mykal branded portfolio of natural solvents and biodegradable cleaners used in engineering and manufacturing applications. Mykal sells its De.Solv.It, Mykal branded and private label products directly to major industrial companies and through some of the UK’s leading retail, DIY and trade-oriented stores and catalogues.

And in January, the company acquired Hale Group Limited of the UK. Zep has had a presence in Europe since 1992, but with this acquisition, the company is expanding its reach to a broad range of industrial, commercial and public sector customers in both the UK and additional export markets.
For the six months ended Feb. 29, sales rose less than 1% to about $305 million, but net income declined nearly 15% to $6 million.

Finally, Zep expects to implement SAP to give its team better visibility into real-time information.

Sales:$568 million. Net income: $13 million for the year ended Aug. 31, 2010.

Zep had a lot of zip this year. For the year ended Aug. 31, 2010, sales jumped 13.5% to $568 million, while net income rose 5% to more than $13 million.

Fiscal 2010 was a pivotal year for Zep. It marked the completion of a three-year makeover of the company. According to John K. Morgan, chairman, president and chief executive officer, “In virtually every way possible, our hard-working associates have transformed our business into a far more efficient, more focused and more forward-looking company.

“In the face of a challenging economic environment, our associates were able to increase the value we provide to our customers, expand our access to market, improve our profit margins, and acquire and integrate businesses while generating significant cash flow,” he added.

More specifically, Zep:

• Significantly broadened its go-to-market strategy, expanded the retail sales channel and network of distributors, and invested in acquisitive growth. Simultaneously, Zep added experienced sales reps using a new recruitment model designed to yield a faster return on investment and provided new price optimization tools that will further empower its sales reps.

• Completed three acquisitions, Amrep, Waterbury Companies and Niagara National. Each of these companies contributed to a broadened product line, provided access to additional markets, as well as increased top line growth and overall profitability, according to the company.

• Was strengthened financially. Since becoming a publicly traded company and prior to the acquisitions, it reduced debt by 53%, and, during the past two years, reduced the breakeven point of its legacy business by nearly 30%.

• Became more efficient by trimming its product line by more than 4,000 SKUs, which affected only 1% of sales, consolidated North American distribution network from 41 to 17 strategically-located facilities and reduced the non-sales headcount by more than 28%.

• Decentralized business to push decisions closer to the customers.

In retail, Zep Commercial and private-branded product lines with both existing and new customers announced new relationships with Advanced Auto Parts and AutoZone while also launching its refreshed Enforcer brand.

Zep also acquired Niagara National of Atlanta, GA, a manufacturer in automatic truck wash systems and products, for an undisclosed price. This acquisition is expected to be accretive to earnings during fiscal 2011. Ron Kirschner, president of Niagara, and the majority of its employees will remain with the company.

The Niagara brand of custom truck wash, pressure washers, water recovery systems and maintenance chemicals is expected to bulk up Zep’s transportation product portfolio.

Morgan addressed the company’s trio of acquisitions in the last nine months. “The first was Amrep, which was immediately accretive to earnings, expands our access to the retail and distributor channels, and provides significant private label capabilities. We recently completed our acquisition of certain brands and assets of Waterbury Companies, which we expect will enhance Amrep’s leading position as a provider of air care delivery systems and products for facilities maintenance. Our third acquisition, while much smaller than the first two, included the assets of Niagara National and complements our strength in our vehicle wash business, specifically in the high quality truck and fleet washing equipment markets.”

In February 2011, Zep Inc. unveiled a new corporate logo that celebrates decades of Zep brand leadership while providing an updated look for the future direction of the company.

For the six months ended Feb. 28, 2011, Zep’s sales jumped nearly 20% to more than $304 million. Net income rose more than 10% to $7 million.

In April, Zep renewed and expanded its contract to provide maintenance products to the US federal government. GSA Schedule 73, under Zep Sales & Service, will continue for five additional years. The renewed schedule covers a broad range of cleaning and maintenance products.

Zep Sales & Service offers more than 100 GreenLink products as part of this Schedule and has added the ProVisions line of dishwashing detergents, food service cleaners and sanitizers.

Sales: $501 million. Net income: $9 million for the year ended Aug. 31, 2009

In tune with the recession, Zep’s net sales fell 13% to $501 million for the year ended Aug. 31, 2009. Net income fell 43% to $9 million. However, with a recent acquisition and distribution deal with Autozone, the company is looking forward to turning around its profits this year.

In January 2010, Zep acquired Amrep, Inc., a Marietta, GA-based marketer of maintenance chemicals for the automotive aftermarket as well as the janitorial market, for a cash purchase price of approximately $64.4 million. As a result of this transaction, Zep Inc.’s product and brand portfolio now includes Misty, Next Dimension, i-Chem and other Amrep proprietary brands.

The company also elected Ronald D. Brown to its board of directors. Brown, who was elected to the class of directors whose terms expire at the 2013 annual meeting, is the managing director of Taft Business Consulting, LLC and was previously the chairman and chief executive officer of Milacron, Inc., a supplier of plastics processing and metal-cutting process technologies.

As part of Zep’s initiative to make its products available to more customers and through more channels, in March the company debuted a line of Zep Commercial hand care products at AutoZone, the national retailer of automotive replacement parts and accessories.

“The size of the automotive aftermarket, coupled with Zep Inc.’s heritage and expertise in providing superior cleaning and maintenance solutions, make this a prime opportunity for Zep Inc.’s continued growth,” said John K. Morgan, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Zep Inc. “Through AutoZone, Zep Inc. will deliver professional-grade products to smaller businesses and individual consumers—giving independent mechanics, small auto repair shops and quick lube operators the ability to purchase products at retail stores.”

Financial results for the second quarter ended Feb. 28, 2010 proved to be more successful than in 2009. Net sales jumped 12.7% to $127.4 million. January and February sales attributable to the Amrep acquisition accounted for $17.8 million of the quarter’s net sales, according to the company.

Sales: $574 million. Net income: $16.3 million for the year ended Aug. 31, 2008.

Sales rose 1.6% last year, primarily due to currency fluctuation, yet overall unit volume declined due to weak demand in North America. However, net income rose nearly 16% last year to $16.3 million. During the year, volume declined in North America, but rose internationally.

With no end to the recession in sight, in December Zep said it was reducing its non-sales headcount by 5%.

“We are operating in a rapidly declining and much broader economic downturn than we initially anticipated and believe it was prudent to reduce our cost structure in response,” noted John K. Morgan, chairman, president and chief executive officer. “In addition to the workforce reduction we have already begun implementing, we will further reduce our costs in other areas as necessary.”

For the first half, Zep reported a net loss of $2.5 million versus $8.2 million net income a year ago. Sales declined 11.9% to $243.8 million.

At the halfway mark in fiscal 2009, the company said it remains focused on simplifying and improving its core Zep sales and service business. Last year, the company fired underperforming sales representatives and most recently began adding sales capacity by seeding its sales force with experienced professionals focused on its most important market verticals. These additional, experienced sales representatives are poised to make an immediate impact on Zep’s top-line, and management expects this new recruitment model will carry a substantially shorter payback period than previous models, according to the Atlanta-based firm.

Also in the second quarter, the company reconfigured its logistics operations by consolidating three branches and signing a lease agreement for a northeastern U.S. distribution center in the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania. Finally, Zep maintains that it made progress on its initiative to grow the Zep Commercial brand with existing partners, and is finding that the retail product expansion effort is enhancing its ability to access new retailers.

Back in October, Zep formed strategic alliances with W.W. Grainger, Inc., Lab Safety Supply Inc., Graybar Electric Company, Inc., R3 Reliable Redistribution Resource, a division of Bunzl North America, and VWR International, LLC. A distribution agreement has also been reached with SP Richards to distribute select Zep Commercial products.

Sales: $565 million.

In September 2007, Atlanta-based Acuity Specialty Products Group Inc. (ASP) became Zep Inc. after a spin-off from parent company Acuity Brands Inc. Three months earlier, Acuity Brands had reported the spin-off of its lighting and specialty products businesses into an independent publicly-traded company also to be based in Atlanta.

For 2007, Zep reported a 2% rise in sales to $565.9 million, while gross profit increased 3% to $325.9 million. According to the company, improvement in gross profit was driven primarily by the pricing gains that resulted in $11.9 million of the total increase in net sales. In its sales, $474.6 million were I&I products, while $90.4 million was household/personal care.

A gross profit margin of 57.6% in fiscal 2007 remained consistent with that of the prior fiscal year. Operating profit decreased 26% in 2007 to $29.6 million. Net income for fiscal year 2007 decreased 33.8% to $14.1 million.

In marketing news, Zep was named the “Official Cleaning Products Supplier” of the Atlanta Braves baseball team this summer. One of the ways in which Zep is providing that “clean and sanitary environment” for Braves fans is by installing Zep brand hand sanitizer dispensers at food service stands around Turner Field. In addition to supplying a variety of cleaning and personal hygiene products for use at the stadium, Zep will sponsor the “Field Clean-Up” and “Clean Up Hitters” at home games. The company and its logo will also be featured in a variety of ads, signage and point-of-purchase displays around Turner Field.