With $5 billion in global sales, Ecolab is the world&＃39;s leading provider of cleaning, food safety and health protection products and services for the hospitality, foodservice, healthcare and industrial markets.HeadquartersSt. Paul, Minnesota, USAFoundedSt. Paul native Merritt J. Osborn founded Ecolab in 1923 as Economics Laboratory. Its name was changed to Ecolab in 1986.EmployeesMore than 23,000 associates worldwidePatentsEcolab has been issued more than 4,000 patents worldwide, including the industry&＃39;s first patents for solid warewashing detergent, clean-in-place technology for beverage and food processing, and a no-rinse enzyme-based floor cleaner for grease removal in foodservice operations.Recent AwardsWorld&＃39;s Most Ethical Companies (Ethisphere Magazine) Only 80 companies were chosen for this award (May 2007)100 Best Corporate Citizens (CRO magazine) Ecolab&＃39;s eighth appearance in eight years (January 2007)Forbes 2006 Honor Roll Special recognition for companies appearing on Forbes "400 Best Big Companies in America" list every year since the list&＃39;s inception in 1999 (December 2006)America&＃39;s Most Shareholder Friendly Companies (Institutional Investor magazine) Ecolab&＃39;s third appearance in as many years (March 2007)Black Pearl Award for Corporate Excellence in Food Safety and Quality (International Association of Food Protection) Recognizing Ecolab&＃39;s achievements in corporate excellence in food safety and quality (August 2006)