NCH Corporation

The NCH Corporation story begins in 1919 when Milton P. Levy Sr. recognized an emerging need for specialty maintenance products in the United States. He founded the National Disinfectant Company in Dallas, Texas, initially offering a small line of products including a coal tar disinfectant, an insecticide, and a liquid hand soap aimed at improving sanitation in public institutions like hospitals and schools. Levy understood the importance of not only providing quality products but also delivering excellent service, laying the groundwork for the company's future success by fostering strong customer relationships.

After three decades, Levy's sons, Milton Jr., Lester, and Irvin, took on more significant roles in the company, expanding its reach throughout Texas and envisioning NCH as a leader in the specialty maintenance market. The company cultivated an 'extended family' culture, attracting individuals driven to succeed. Profits were reinvested into production, administrative support, and research and development, allowing NCH to eventually produce most of its own products. By 1955, NCH was experiencing considerable success and continued to expand. Improved transportation infrastructure, like dependable rail service and truck lines, made it easier to serve customers across larger geographical areas, significantly impacting the company's business strategy. The sales force grew, and with it, a new team of sales management emerged to develop new territories. In 1956, the first branch office outside of Texas was established in St. Louis, followed by offices in New York and Los Angeles. To meet increasing demand, NCH built four new manufacturing plants across the United States. The 1960s marked NCH's international expansion, starting with Mexico. The company's name changed to National Chemsearch to reflect its broadening product line, and it became listed on the New York Stock Exchange. By 1970, the product line included about 250 items. In 1978, the company adopted the name NCH Corporation to represent the increasing diversity of its offerings as sales reached $200 million. Today, NCH Corporation operates in over 50 countries worldwide, a testament to its enduring philosophy of a strong sales organization providing superior maintenance products and services. The leadership of the company remains with the Levy family.