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| 1961 EL acquires Klenzade |
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In 1961, EL acquired Klenzade Products Inc., and its revolutionary Clean-in-Place (CIP) cleaning system. CIP technology eliminated the need to break down and hand wash dairy plant pipes and valves. EL's timed and controlled rinses and cleaning solutions, forced through a CIP pipe system, allowed a dairy plant operator to clean miles of pipes with the push of a button. CIP technology was also adapted for use in dairy farms, meat and poultry plants, bottlers, breweries and canneries. |
| 1962 Research efforts expand |
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By 1960, EL's research department held more than 50 patents and employed about 200 people. To accommodate continued growth, EL purchased 29 acres in Mendota Heights, Minn., for a new research center. In 1962, the company completed a $500,000 pilot plant there, and two years later the Merritt J. Osborn Research & Development Center was completed. |
| 1968 Osborn Building opens |
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On June 19, 1968, the 20-story Osborn Building - today known as Ecolab Corporate Center - opened in downtown St. Paul, Minn. The completed structure was a 131-foot tower of stainless steel, glass and polished black granite, encircled by a reflecting pool. |
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