For more than 80 years, Modrak Products has been a trusted family-owned supplier of janitorial, maintenance, paper, and cleaning products throughout Northwest Indiana. What began as a small family business has grown into a long-standing local company built on dependable service, hands-on expertise, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

Modrak Products was founded by Michael and Ann Modrak and later carried forward by Larry and Judy Modrak, who continued the family tradition of manufacturing and supplying products their customers could count on. From window cleaners and waxes to sweeping compounds and specialty cleaning solutions, Modrak Products has proudly made many of its own products over the years, including Blue Flash, a powerful stain cleaner used on engines, floors, and more.

“My father-in-law started this business selling paper supplies,” said Judy Modrak. “The warehouse was on the back of their home, and he started with soap and wax manufacturing. He wasn’t a chemist, he would just perfect his formulas by reading.”

That hands-on approach became the foundation of the company. In the early days, Ann Modrak even worked with large rolls of yarn to make her own mops, reflecting the same work ethic and resourcefulness that still define the business today.

Over the years, Modrak Products expanded its operations, added warehouse space, and continued to serve schools, restaurants, auto mechanics, businesses, and walk-in retail customers. The company packages products in a wide range of sizes, from one-gallon containers to 55-gallon drums, giving customers flexible options for their specific needs.

Behind every product is decades of experience and product knowledge. Raw materials are carefully mixed in large vats, and packaging is handled on-site, allowing the company to maintain quality control from start to finish.

“The formulas have been perfected over the years, but it takes a lot of knowledge to get them right,” Judy said. “My husband can just walk in here and know when something is off.”

In addition to manufacturing and supplying cleaning products, Modrak Products has also provided specialized floor care services, including stripping and sanding school gym floors. What once allowed for a single floor to be completed in a summer has evolved with new technology, making it possible to complete more than 30 floors in a season.

“We have college kids who will come in and work for us every summer,” she said. “Lots of them know that this is where they can work while they are in school.”

Like many long-standing businesses, Modrak Products has adapted over time to meet the changing needs of its customers and community.

“Schools are now 80 percent of our business,” Larry said. “In the ’70s, the steel mills were 80 percent of the business. We had to make the change so we could stay in business.”

That ability to evolve while staying true to its roots is part of what has kept Modrak Products strong for generations. With thousands of products available, special order options, and a team that understands the needs of local businesses, Modrak Products continues to be a reliable source for janitorial, paper, maintenance, and cleaning supplies.

“Today you have to have sales people who will go to your accounts and do demonstrations,” Judy said. “In this economy, you have to fight harder. .. When you say you actually manufacture it, that becomes more important to people than other products they will buy off the shelf.”

Today, Modrak Products remains proud of its family legacy, local roots, and reputation for dependable service. From everyday supplies to specialty products, the company continues to help customers keep their facilities clean, stocked, and ready.