Our History

“Glass is the single most important building material known to man, and it must be protected.” – Howard G. Ohlhausen

Protected/Unprotected

Unelko Pioneers Durable, Micron-Thin Soil, Stain And Scratch Protection For Glass

The Invisible Shield® Glass Coating was first invented and patented by Howard G. Ohlhausen of Unelko Corporation in Chicago, Illinois as a method for rendering nonporous surfaces water, soil and stain repellent. Following his acclaimed invention in 1971, Ohlhausen began to develop and market several innovative products. Through his service and experience in the U.S. Air Force, he developed Repcon®, a rain repellent and surface conditioner for military vehicles and aircraft. He then developed Rain-X®, the “Invisible Windshield Wiper” and glass treatment for “Improved Visibility and Driving Safety” on automotive glass, now sold worldwide. From his ongoing study and research of commercial glass, and the nature of water-borne residue, soil, minerals and pollution, Ohlhausen demonstrated that the adhesion and build-up of water insoluble soil and contaminants could only be prevented, long term, by durably sealing and protecting glass to make it water, soil, stain repellent and resistant to degradation and corrosion. His testing further proved that his invisible, ultra-thin polysiloxane coating made glass 92.9% more resistant to damage from pitting, etching and scratches.

Following the sale of its world-famous Rain-X® to Quaker State Corporation in 1998, Unelko did not rest on its laurels. They spent considerable time to research and develop a new generation of commercial & residential cleaners that offered improved durable protection and new breed of “hydrophobic” treatments for the preservation, enhancement and preventive cleaning of all glass, porcelain, ceramics, plastics, metals and other surfaces.

Unelko has become a leading manufacturer of water repellents, hydrophobic surface treatments and protective coatings and they have steadfastly pioneered the Invisible Shield “Easy Clean” Coatings to preserve and protect glass and other surfaces to reduce the frequency and cost of cleaning.

One of their primary focuses has been on the preservation, enhancement and “preventive cleaning” of residential, commercial and architectural glass including facades, windows, glass walls, doors, partitions, mirrors, skylights and canopies, shower doors and tile, solar, automotive and marine glass.

Unelko’s products solve major cleaning and maintenance issues within the commercial glass, commercial/contract cleaning and facility management markets. The products offer long term surface protection for reduced soiling, preservation, easier cleaning and valuable “anti-corrosion” and “hydrophobic” solutions for the broader commercial, institutional and household markets.

Unelko trademarked Invisible Shield® & Invisible Shield® PRO 15 Coatings, Interface® OEM, Sani-Shield® & Sani-Scrub® and Repel® & Eliminate® Cleaners which respond to the ever changing commercial and end user needs and preferences today. Products that clean & protect surfaces for easier maintenance and less costly cleaning, reduced soiling and contamination, increased performance and improved surface hygiene.

Steven Ohlhausen became President of Unelko and has continued to grow the family business with his children in a manufacturing and warehouse complex in Phoenix, Arizona.

Unelko Building

Looking To the Future

Unelko is devoted to offering its customers the best performing cleaning & protection products with value added benefits and service. Unelko takes pride in developing long term relationships with customers and has a proven history of offering unique products that make a difference. A number of key employees have made Unelko their life-long career.

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