Vaughan Industries was "Born in Detroit"​ in 1974 to distribute detergents and spray waxes for automatic car washes. Founded by an industrial chemist with twenty years of experience, the company began developing and manufacturing a totally new line of use-specific car wash chemical products. In 1977, Vaughan Chemical became a Michigan corporation and purchased its manufacturing facility in Detroit. The company's name was changed to Vaughan Industries in 1984 in order to more accurately reflect its expansion into sales and service of car wash equipment. Vaughan's Car Wash division's product list includes chemicals for automatic and self-serve facilities: presoaks, detergents, drying agents, tire and wheel cleaners, and other specialty equipment for car wash and aftermarket automotive care. Vaughan's Cleaning and Industrial Compound division manufactures and sells a variety of cleaners, waxes and cutting oils to industrial and retail customers. Today, Vaughan Industries continues as a privately held family business under the leadership of President Katie Balash. As such, it epitomizes the American experience of successful entrepreneurship. Ongoing research and development in one of the most modern chemical laboratories in the industry assures "state of the art"​ products and applications. Through continued innovation in chemical research, equipment design and manufacturing, Vaughan is dedicated to meeting the needs of industry well into the 21st Century.