Corporate About Contec

About Contec

There are environments that have always demanded better. Greater. Cleaner. In 1988, Contec was established to provide the expertise necessary to meet these critical cleaning needs. Ever since, we’ve been leading the way in cleaning innovation.

Dedicated to developing and manufacturing innovative cleaning products for use in critical applications. Through our proven expertise and side-by-side support, we build confidence and trust into every relationship. Today, Contec is the leading manufacturer of and partner for contamination control products in mission-critical cleaning environments around the world. Our work has significant impact when and where “clean” counts most.

Our History

1988

Contec Established

Contec, Inc. was founded in Spartanburg, South Carolina in1988 by Jack McBride and Jim Smith as a distribution company focusing on the needs of the cleanroom manufacturing industry. The customer base included the following type of customers: semiconductor, microelectronics, medical device, magnetic media, compact disc, optics, and pharmaceutical.

1990

Transition to Manufacturing

In 1990, the company entered the business of manufacturing fabric wipers for the cleanroom industry. This transition to manufacturing of the products laid the foundation for the specialty products Contec is known for today.

1992

Development of Presaturated Wipes

Contec paved a new way of business through its development of presaturated wipes. While this is a relatively common concept (think baby wipes), it had not yet been applied to the industrial wipe market. Contec developed its first presaturated product, PROSAT® wipes in the early 1990’s and slowly established a business around this flagship product.

1994

Entry into Automotive Industry

In 1994 the presaturated wipes were introduced to the automotive industry for use in wiping cars before painting. The product was a gamechanger for the industry as it enabled the companies to reduce usage of hazardous solvents, improve safety for their workers, and greatly improve the quality of the finished paint job.

1996

Locust Grove Facility Established

Contec opens Locust Grove, its first fully-designed manufacturing facility, to support the growth of the company and bring more manufacturing capabilities in-house.

1998

Acquisition in Toledo

While Contec continued to grow its manufacturing capabilities at the Spartanburg, SC based Locust Grove facility, we also moved forward with the acquisition of Toledo, Ohio-based Thunderbolt® products, our largest distributor in the automotive market. Contec maintains a facility in Toledo today.

2006

Moving into China

Contec extends its reach and opens its manufacturing plant in Suzhou, China to support the growing industries in the Asia-Pacific markets. Contec maintains a dedicated team in Asia today with manufacturing in Suzhou and team members spread throughout the region.

2009

Vannes Facility Established

To support the growing Cleanroom business in Europe, Contec establishes a facility in Vannes, France, which continues to operate today. Contec achieves ISO 9001:2008 quality management certification. Avi Lawrence is named President of Contec, inc. Avi continues to serve in this role today.

2014

Moving into the United Kingdom

Contec opens its Ashington, United Kingdom facility to manufacture sterile disinfectants for the growing European Cleanroom market.

2015

Wingo Park Facility Established

Contec expands in Spartanburg, adding a second location, Wingo Park. Today, Wingo Park houses many of the company’s business offices, corporate functions, and some manufacturing facilities.

2018

Flatwood Distribution Center Established

Contec moves South Carolina distribution to the Flatwood Facility in Chesnee, SC to support the growing needs of our customers. Our Flatwood facility still serves as our primary warehousing and distribution site.

2024

Growth and Expansion in Asia Pacific

Contec expands its presence in the Asia Pacific region through its opening of a manufacturing plant in the Special Economic Zone of Laguna in the Philippines. This 50,000 square foot facility takes Contec's global associate count to more than 1,100.

Who We Serve

Day-in and day-out, we operate in areas where the finer details are the difference between success and failure. Areas where quality and innovation aren’t just desired, but mandatory. Never losing sight of our customer first approach, or the industry expertise and the side-by-side relationships that got us where we are. From life-and-death healthcare environments to complex processes in manufacturing lines, to everyday professional environments, Contec will continue to bring the most effective solutions to our customers.

Our Commitments

At Contec, our commitments extend beyond innovative solutions—we are dedicated to making a meaningful impact on our people, our communities, and our planet. Through responsible business practices, sustainability initiatives, and a culture that values diversity and well-being, we strive to create positive change. Learn more about how we’re driving corporate social responsibility forward.

Explore Corporate Social Responsibility

Contec, Inc.

When clean counts most, count on us