Ed York, after 38 years of selling carpet cleaning equipment, has officially stepped out of sales and has closed down York Enterprises and Ed York Sales.

Health problems have caused York to slowly give up activities demanding energy and action. Confined to bed rest during most days, he only has time for brief telephone consulting with past clients and entrepreneurs thinking about the cleaning industry.

As of Jan. 16, York has transferred all past customers and supplier agreements to Chem Max Corporation, headed by Paul Lucas. Lucas started with Ed and Wanda York as instructors for classes operated by Fiber Cleaning Schools of America. Lucas has taken over manufacturer and chemical formulation of most of the specialty tools and chemicals promoted by York.

Because of his customer loyalty and customer service, the Yorks agreed that Lucas would be the one to carry on the traditions and customer service of their many long-time customers.