About Us
Our Story
Chemsafe International was founded in 1978 by George Kneier Sr. and his son, George Kneier Jr. in a small 10-by-14 office space in Mayfield Village, Ohio. What began as a local distribution supply house for the janitorial and sanitation industry quickly grew into a trusted regional partner.
In the early days, the father-and-son team managed every aspect of the business themselves-sales and operations during the week, and product deliveries around Cleveland on Fridays and Saturdays. Nearly a decade later, in 1986, the family invested in manufacturing and laboratory space and hired an experienced chemist to expand into product development.
ChemStation Franchise Acquisition
In 1987, the company acquired a ChemStation International franchise, launching North Coast ChemStation (NCC). This strategic move allowed the team to offer a broader range of liquid cleaning products and a bulk chemical program to industrial customers. The bulk system not only reduced packaging waste but also gave customers a safer, more environmentally friendly solution.
By 1990, operations had moved to Oakwood Village to accommodate growing demand. Investments in equipment and additional formulation scientists during the 1990s expanded the product line to include specialized industrial cleaning and lubricant solutions.
MAGIC Hand Cleaner
In 1996, Chemsafe introduced the MAGIC brand heavy-duty industrial hand cleaner. Using natural exfoliants, moisturizers, and surfactants, this innovative product quickly became a market leader. MAGIC hand cleaner remains the go-to solution for removing stubborn grease, oil, and dirt while protecting hands from dryness and over-washing.
Zenex International
In 2001, the company launched Zenex International, an aerosol division created as a subsidiary of GM Industrial. Starting with just four employees, Zenex built a nationwide distributor network and developed more than 100 proprietary aerosol formulations serving industrial, automotive, and janitorial markets.
Today
Now headquartered in Bedford, Ohio, Chemsafe International is a full-service manufacturer supplying high-quality finished products to industrial and institutional customers across North America and Europe. After more than 40 years, the company has expanded to over 100,000 square feet of production and warehouse space, employs more than 100 people, and offers thousands of product solutions.
Many long-standing employees continue to carry forward the legacy of the Kneier family: to provide world-class service and trusted products for businesses of every size.
Contact Us
Want to learn more about our company or explore product solutions for your business? Our customer service team is here to help and can connect you with a sales associate who will tailor solutions to your needs.