Our History | UNX-Christeyns

The History of UNX

UNX was founded with the belief that the technologies which currently existed in the market had not yet caught up with the actual technologies that were available at the time. Always striving to remain at the forefront of the fast-changing world of detergency and cleaning, UNX has built a reputation for professional service, proven cleaning formulations and state-of-the-art dispensing systems, forging connections with every industry we serve. Today, as a full-service chemical company, we are an industry leader in the manufacturing of professional quality cleaning solutions for your laundry, housekeeping, and warewash needs.

Below you will find information about our past, our progress, and how we’re continually improving.

1958

UNX was founded with the belief existing technologies in the chemical industry had not yet caught up with the actual technologies available at the time. On this premise, we pioneered new surfactant technology for the laundry industry and started a tradition offering technologies to the chemical market that not only satisfied the quality needs of the day, but also addressed the future.

1960s

The first company to employ and develop organic chlorine agents such as Trichloroisocyanuric acid into dry organic bleaches.

Introduced light duty, medium duty, and heavy duty dry detergents featuring nonionic surfactants.

Pioneered work resulting in discovering the combinations of surfactants most effective for various operations.

Introduced Bacteriostatic fabric softeners based on safe quaternary ammonium compounds rather than harmful heavy metal derivatives.

Introduced sours which did not contain zinc or other heavy metals detrimental to health.

Dropped all “then current” surfactant technology in favor of surfactants that had greater performance with an added feature of greater biodegradability in waste water systems.

1970s

Introduced a new products to the UNX offering including a line of non-phosphate products.

Introduced a heavy duty line of non-caustic and low alkaline detergents (such as PACK 100 and SURPASS) that were designed to deliver a high quality garment in industrial uniform operations at a reduced pH. Products like this help in reducing the pH of effluent being introduced into the waste treatment systems.

Introduced a line of solvent detergents that was considerably less hazardous to customer, and the environment, than those that were currently on the market. This product line included products such as ALL PRO, PRO, SOLUTION, FLO-SOL and FLO-CLEAN.

Introduced a complete line of safe liquid detergents featuring combinations of selected surfactants and non-hazardous solvents.

Introduced UNITRON Liquid Dispensing System which minimized the handling of hazardous chemicals and provided increased chemical control in the wash wheel.

1980s

The decade of the 80's was a prolific time in our research and development program.

Developed a line of new enzyme products for the blue jean industry, which eliminated the need for high alkali in the desizing operation.

Eliminated all unnecessary dyes from detergent lines for wastewater control.

Eliminated formaldehyde from all product formulations.

Eliminated the standard paint, oil and grease remover, AMEX, and replaced it with a more environmentally suitable product, UNITERGE.

Researched substitutes for inorganic phosphates, and new safe organic polymers were introduced.

Developed a line of Solvent detergents that contain an environmentally safe solvent that is an extract from fruits, DY-PHASE and LIQUID T.
We explored the possibilities of environmentally safe d-Limonene to replace hazardous solvents.

Pioneered a line of special products to assist in removing oil and grease from wastewater treatment systems. This involved cooperation with industrial laundries to satisfy their municipal requirements for wastewater.

Developed the well-known DIRECTOR System for dispensing powdered alkalis and detergents in large volume plants. The DIRECTOR electronically feeds eight or more washers. It has been highly instrumental in minimizing the handling of products, in controlling the inventory of chemicals, and in eliminating drum disposal problems.

Developed an efficient drum recycling program to assist our customers in disposing of their used drums by working alongside our distributors, customers and local recycling operations.

1990s

As the environment continues to be part of public discussions, UNX continues to add to our lines of products that stress quality, customer and environmental safety as part of the development process.

Introduced BIO-SOUR: a completely biodegradable product that will not contribute fluorides or phosphates to the waste water stream.

Developed BIO-MAX, and enzyme detergent for linen supply and healthcare plants.

Introduced the UNX Bio-Globe Program. This program reinforces the continuing objective to provide the industries we serve with environmentally sound products and processes.

Enzyme research achieved a technology milestone resulting in the introduction of LINASE and LIQUID LINASE NP , two highly successful enzyme detergents, which not only produce superior whiteness and stain removal, but also save substantially on water and energy.

Introduced one of of the most successful products UNX has ever offered the laundry industry, BREAKTHROUGH, which is a bleach enzyme detergent with remarkable cleaning, destaining, and bleaching properties. It leads the trend in low alkali and low temperature detergency. Significant savings are achieved in not only the cost of water and power but also in production time.

2000s

U.N.X. Chemicals, Inc. continues to grow and offers customers chemicals along with custom made dispensing equipment and is renamed to be U.N.X., Incorporated.

Continued enzyme technology advancements introduction of SPEC-TAK, Source and Megazyme.

LaundryESP U.N.X. INCORPORATED participates in this cost-effective and flexible program patterned to increase the environmental presentation of the textile service and supply companies while improving associations with customers.

2010s

May 2019 - U.N.X. Incorporated is purchased by the Clark Family in and is renamed to be UNX Industries, Inc.

2020s

June 2020 - UNX launches the HyClean program to help combat COVID-19 outbreak

July 2020 - UNX Celebrates 50 Years with Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA)

July 2020 - UNX selected as a vendor for National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance (NCPA)

January 2021 - UNX introduces "SimplePour" bottles to the housekeeping line of products allowing for an equipment free dispensing option.

April 2021 - 'Abolish' is added to the product offering as a commercial grade micro odor eliminator

August 2021 - 'Oust' is added to the product offering as a premium solvent pre-spotter.

November 2021 - UNX presented the "Company Community Service Award" by TRSA.

December 2021 - UNX wins "TripleS Oustanding New Supplier Award"
- UNX named 2021 Vendor of the Year by ZIPS Dry Cleaners

March 2022 - TRSA awards UNX the "Above & Beyond Service Award" - This award "Honors exceptional attention to customer needs, setting a high standard for others to follow, as recognized by TRSA members"