Zep to hire 100-plus sales associates

Zep Inc., an Atlanta-based provider of industrial cleaning chemicals, said it is looking to hire more than 100 sales associates.

The company said cost-saving initiatives last year allowed it to invest more in hiring sales associates.

“We are focused on hiring both returning military personnel and professional sales associates skilled in targeted market areas,” Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Morgan said in announcing the initiative.

As part of the cost cutting last fall, Zep reduced its non-sales work force by about 80 to 100 people, or 6 percent. The company has about 2,400 employees, including 1,750 in the United States, 200 in Canada and 450 in Europe.

The company is looking for sales representatives for various markets, including oil and gas, and food processing. It is also looking for general and inside sales reps. Additional information on the jobs can be found at http://www.zepinc.com/careers

Separately, Zep reported lower first-quarter income of $3 million, or 14 cents a diluted share, compared with about $3.5 million, or 16 cents a diluted share, in the corresponding period a year earlier. Sales rose to about $164.9 million, from $158 million.