A Letter from The President

Industrial Wiper was founded in 1915, by my grandfather, Philip Tobin, in Chelsea, Massachusetts.  My father, Mitchel Tobin, joined him in the mid 1930’s and helped expand the company.  Together, they brought the company to new heights with state-of-the-art technology and a very keen business sense.  They were one of the first companies to convert from large, slow hand balers to high speed electric balers.  This provided a competitive edge in the new expanding export markets for used clothing and textiles in the Middle East, Africa, and Italy. 

By the 1950’s, the majority of these countries became politically and economically unstable.  In search of new market diversity my father moved the company to California in 1958, entering the retail wiper market and expanding exports to Mexico.

After graduating college I, too, joined Industrial Wiper, realizing that I had the unique opportunity to learn extensive product knowledge of the secondary textile market from my father.  His expertise and business integrity have guided me through the years.

Analysis of our customer base in the mid-90’s showed that we could more effectively serve our customers by evolving into a broad-based distributor, and we became Industrial Wiper & Supply.  We found that it is very cost-effective for a company to purchase many products through a single source, thereby simplifying their supply chain.  Customer feedback on our expansion has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are now the local supplier for many of the products that our customers are currently using at an equal or better price-with only one purchase order and delivery!

The more involved we become in integrated supply, the more convinced we are that this is the right direction for our long-term growth.  Additionally, one of my sons has joined the firm adding a fourth generation of continuity to our company.  His approach and enthusiasm in handling production and inventory is commendable, and has further convinced me that we’re on the right path.

Our headquarters, at 1851 South 7th Street, San Jose, CA is over 40,000 square feet situated on 3.5 acres, allowing ample room for further growth in our efforts to fulfill your needs.  As diverse and successful as Industrial Wiper & Supply, Inc. has been in the past, we look forward to exceeding both your and our own expectations in the years to come.

Thank you,