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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(b)

                                      LEASE
                                      -----



         THIS LEASE ("LEASE"), is made this 11th day of February, 1998,
effective as of December 1, 1997, by and between MONTE R. BLACK AND SUSAN K.
BLACK, Ohio residents ("LANDLORD") and MPW INDUSTRIAL SERVICES, INC., an Ohio
corporation ("TENANT").


                                   WITNESSETH:
                                   -----------


         1. DEMISED PREMISES: Landlord for and in consideration of the covenants
and agreements hereinafter set forth and the "RENT" (which term includes both
Base Rent and all Additional Rent) does hereby lease to Tenant not less than
100% of that certain approximately 45.88 acre tract of land (the legal
description of which is set forth on EXHIBIT "A-1" attached hereto (the "LAND"),
together with all improvements and fixtures located thereon including an
approximately 67,000 square foot office/industrial facility (collectively, the
"BUILDING") (all as more particularly described on the attached EXHIBIT "A-2"),
commonly known as 9711 Lancaster Road, SE, Village of Hebron, Licking County,
Ohio (the Building and the Land are sometimes hereinafter referred to
collectively as the "PREMISES").

         2. TERM:

            (a) INITIAL TERM. This Lease has an initial term of eighty-five (85)
months (or until such term shall sooner terminate as hereinafter provided) (the
"INITIAL TERM") commencing on December, 1, 1997 (the "COMMENCEMENT DATE") and
ending on December 31, 2004, unless sooner terminated in accordance herewith.

            (b) RENEWAL TERM. Tenant may, at its sole option, choose to extend
the term of this Lease for two (2) additional periods of five (5) years each (a
"RENEWAL TERM") under such terms and conditions as Landlord and Tenant will
negotiate, based upon a fair market appraisal of the Premises. Tenant shall
provide Landlord with written notice of Tenant's intent to exercise this option
not later than one hundred eighty (180) days prior to the expiration of the
Initial Term or first Renewal Term, as applicable. As used in this Lease, "TERM"
means both the Initial Term and, if Tenant exercises its option(s), any Renewal
Term. As used in this Lease, "LEASE YEAR" means each consecutive twelve (12)
month period of the Term, starting on the Commencement Date of this Lease.

         3. RENT:

            (a) Tenant shall pay as "BASE RENT" for each Lease Year during the
Initial Term the sum of Six Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($600,000),
payable in advance, in equal monthly installments of Fifty Thousand and No/100
Dollars ($50,000). If Tenant exercises its option(s) to extend the Term, Tenant
shall pay as Base Rent during the Renewal Term(s) a rental based upon the
"market rate" for the Premises. The first and last monthly installments are due
and payable on the execution of this Lease and the remaining installments are
due and payable in advance on the first day of each and every month during the
Term, without offset or deduction, to Landlord at the address set forth in
PARAGRAPH 26 or at such other place as Landlord may hereafter designate in
writing. Rent checks are to be made payable to Landlord, or such other person,
firm or corporation as Landlord may designate in writing.

            (b) All sums due and payable by Tenant under this Lease other than
Base Rent are "ADDITIONAL RENT", whether or not so called in the text of this
Lease. Any Additional Rent for which no time for payment is specified in this
Lease shall be due and payable within ten (10) days after demand is made
therefor.

            (c) All Rent, whether Base Rent or Additional Rent, is due and
payable in full without demand, deduction or set-off and Tenant's obligation to
pay the same shall survive the expiration or other termination of this Lease.
Tenant's covenant to pay Rent is an independent covenant.

            (d) Rent shall be equitably pro rated for any partial Lease Year or
calendar year, as the case may be, during the Term.

            (e) For each Renewal Term, Tenant shall notify Landlord that Tenant
desires to exercise its option to extend the Term of this Lease for the next
ensuing five (5) year period, and to obtain an appraisal of the Premises to
determine the market rent for the Premises by delivering written notice to
Landlord not less than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the beginning of
each Renewal Term. Tenant shall include in such notice the name of an MAI
appraiser selected by Tenant which has an office in Licking County, Ohio.
Landlord shall within thirty (30) days following receipt of such notice from
Tenant give written notice to Tenant setting forth the name of a second MAI
appraiser with an office in Licking County, Ohio. If Landlord fails to notify
Tenant of the name of an appraiser within the thirty (30) day period, then the
appraiser selected by Tenant shall determine the market rent and the decision of
said appraiser shall be binding upon the parties hereto. If Landlord has
selected an appraiser in accordance with the provisions of this Paragraph, then
the appraiser selected by Landlord and the appraiser selected by Tenant shall
meet and select a third MAI appraiser with an office in Licking County, Ohio.
The appraiser selected by Landlord and the appraiser selected by Tenant shall
each appraise the Premises for purposes of obtaining said market rent. The third
appraiser shall determine and notify Landlord and Tenant which of the two
appraisals made by Landlord's and Tenant's appraisers more closely reflects the
market rent of the Premises, and the decision of the third appraiser shall be
binding upon the parties hereto. Notwithstanding anything in this paragraph to
the contrary, in no event shall the Base Rent for any Renewal Term be less than
the Base Rent for the previous Renewal Term or the Initial Term, as applicable.


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         4. USE OF PREMISES:

            (a) PERMITTED USE. Tenant shall use and occupy the Premises solely
for operation of an industrial cleaning facility and related incidental uses
(including office and warehouse), in accordance with the standards of an
industrial facility in Union Township, Ohio, and for no other purpose
whatsoever.

            (b) COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS; NUISANCE. Tenant shall not use or permit
the Premises or any part thereof to be used for any disorderly, unlawful or
extra hazardous purpose nor for any purpose other than hereinbefore specified.
Tenant shall not act in conflict with the statutes, laws, ordinances, codes,
rules and regulations applicable to Tenant, the Premises and/or the Building,
including without limitation the rules, regulations and requirements of any fire
rating organizations or rating bureaus with jurisdiction over the Premises
(collectively, the "LEGAL REQUIREMENTS"). Tenant shall be responsible at its own
cost for complying with the provisions of the Americans With Disabilities Act or
any similar federal or Ohio statute, law, ordinance, or code, as they may be
amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations which may be adopted
thereunder from time to time, as the same may be applicable to Tenant's own use
of the Premises or as may be necessary or appropriate as the result of any
Alteration (as defined in PARAGRAPH 8). Landlord's approval of any Alteration or
other act by Tenant is not a representation by Landlord that said Alteration or
act complies with applicable law, and Tenant shall remain solely responsible for
such compliance. Notwithstanding the expiration or other termination of this
Lease, Tenant shall defend, indemnify and hold Landlord and Landlord's
mortgagees harmless from and against any claim, demand, suit, action,
proceeding, damage, liability, loss, cost or expense (including, without
limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees), foreseen or unforeseen, arising from
any violation of this PARAGRAPH 4; the provisions of this sentence shall survive
the expiration or other termination of this Lease.

            (c) HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES. Tenant shall not (either with or without
negligence) cause or permit within or on the Premises the escape, disposal or
release of any biologically- or chemically-active or other hazardous or toxic
substances, materials or wastes (collectively, "HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES"). Tenant
shall not allow the generation, storage or use of any Hazardous Substances
within the Premises in any manner other than normal quantities of cleaning
solvents controlled and stored in accordance with the Legal Requirements, unless
such Hazardous Substances are generated, stored or used in accordance with the
Legal Requirements and approved in advance in writing by Landlord. Any use of
Hazardous Substances shall only be in the ordinary course of Tenant's business
and in accordance with the highest standards prevailing in the industry for the
generation, storage and use of such Hazardous Substances. Without limitation,
Hazardous Substances shall include those described in the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, 42
U.S.C. Section 9601 ET SEQ., any applicable state or local laws and the
regulations adopted under these acts. If Tenant uses Hazardous Substances within
the Premises and if Landlord or any lender or governmental agency requires
testing to ascertain whether or not there has been any release of Hazardous
Substances, then the reasonable costs thereof shall be reimbursed by Tenant to
Landlord upon demand as Additional Rent. In addition, Tenant shall execute
affidavits, representations and the like from time to time at Landlord's request
concerning Tenant's best knowledge and belief regarding the presence of
Hazardous Substances in the Premises. Further, Tenant shall indemnify and save
Landlord harmless from and against any and all clean-up costs, remedial or
restoration work, claims, judgments, damages, penalties, fines, costs,
liabilities or losses, including, without limitation, attorneys', consultants'
and experts' fees, which arise during or after the Term as a result of any
Hazardous Substances being generated, used or disposed of in or on, or brought
to, the Premises by Tenant or its employees, agents, contractors or invitees, or
as the result of an abatement, treatment or management required as the result of
any acts, negligence, repairs or alterations made by Tenant in the Premises. The
within covenants shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this
Lease.

         5. TAXES, FEES AND CHARGES: Tenant shall pay directly to the applicable
taxing authorities, at its sole cost and expense, and prior to delinquency, all
taxes, fees, assessments, and charges, general and special, foreseen or
unforeseen, affecting the Building, Premises or Tenant's other property or
operations thereon (the "TAXES"), including, without limitation, the payment for
any governmental licenses, permits, approvals, and authorizations attributable
to the Premises, the Building or any improvements thereto during the Term.
Tenant shall also pay any tax (other than Landlord's income tax) which may be
levied at any time on the Rent or other charges payable hereunder. Tenant shall
provide written proof of all such required payments to Landlord prior to the due
date thereof, and shall provide paid receipts therefor to Landlord upon request.
Tenant may contest any required payment of any of the Taxes by appropriate
proceedings duly instituted and diligently prosecuted at Tenant's expense,
provided that Tenant shall notify Landlord prior to the commencement of any such
contest. Landlord shall reasonably cooperate with Tenant (at Tenant's expense)
in connection with any such contest, and shall permit any such contest to be
prosecuted in Landlord's name if the same shall be required for the proper
resolution of the disputed matter. So long as any such contest is pending,
Tenant shall pay the disputed Taxes so that the Premises are not subjected to
loss or forfeiture as a result of nonpayment. Tenant shall indemnify, defend,
and hold Landlord harmless from and against any loss or forfeiture of the
Premises and any fines, penalties or other charges arising out of any such
contest or the resolution thereof or arising out of Tenant's failure to pay any
amounts required to be paid by Tenant hereunder.

         6. INSURANCE:

            (a) Tenant shall not do or permit anything to be done on the
Premises or in the Building or bring or keep anything therein which shall in any
way increase the rate of fire or other insurance on the Building, or on the
property kept therein or conflict with any insurance policy upon the Building or
any part thereof, or with any statutes, rules or regulations enacted or
established by the appropriate governmental authorities.

            (b) Tenant shall carry such insurance as Landlord may reasonably
require from time to time, including (without limitation) personal property,
liability, plate glass, builder's risk (during any period when any construction
work is being done in the Premises), business interruption, and workers'
compensation insurance. Tenant shall also provide and maintain public
liability/general comprehensive insurance protecting and indemnifying Landlord
and Tenant against all claims for damages in amounts not less than $2,000,000
per occurrence, $2,000,000 bodily injury, and $1,000,000 property damage. All
insurance must be issued by companies and be in amounts satisfactory to Landlord
in its reasonable discretion, include waivers of subrogation, provide that it
may not be canceled except upon at least thirty (30) days written notice to
Landlord, and name Landlord, its asset and building manager(s), and any
mortgagee or ground lessor of the Building as an additional named insured or
loss payee, as appropriate. Evidence of such insurance must be delivered to
Landlord before Tenant may enter the Premises and must be provided not less
frequently than the first day of each Lease Year thereafter.

            (c) At all times during the Term, Tenant shall, at Tenant's sole
cost and expense, maintain fire and extended coverage insurance covering the
Building to its full replacement value and with such co-insurance and deductible
provisions as may reasonably be deemed

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                                       -3-



appropriate by Landlord. Subject to the rights of any Landlord's mortgagee under
PARAGRAPH 18, below, all insurance proceeds under such policy shall be payable
to Tenant solely for the purpose of completing the restoration required under
PARAGRAPH 12, and Landlord shall be entitled to receive any proceeds remaining
following the completion of such restoration; if not so restored such insurance
proceeds shall be paid to Landlord.

            (d) Landlord shall maintain comprehensive general liability
insurance in amounts of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, $500,000 property
damage, for losses occasioned by Landlord's and its representatives', agents'
and employees' negligence or willful misconduct.

            (e) No indemnity shall be paid to the other party under this Lease
where the claim, damage, liability, loss or expense incurred was or was required
to be insured by such other party for whose benefit such indemnity would run. If
reasonably available, all insurance policies obtained by the parties pursuant to
this Lease shall contain provisions or have the effect of waiving any right of
subrogation by the insurer of one party against the other party or its insurer.
Each party hereby releases the other from any claims to the extent covered by
insurance obtained by the parties pursuant to this Lease.

         7. UPKEEP OF PREMISES: Tenant shall keep the Premises and the fixtures
therein in good order and condition and will, at the expiration or other
termination of the Term, surrender and deliver up the same in like good order
and condition as the same now is or shall be at the commencement of the Term,
ordinary wear and tear and insured damage excepted. Subject to the provisions of
PARAGRAPHS 8 and 15 below, Landlord is not required to make any improvements,
replacements or repairs of any kind or character on the Premises during the
Term.

         8. ALTERATIONS:

            (a) Except as set forth in this PARAGRAPH 8 or in PARAGRAPH 12,
Tenant shall not make any alterations, installations, changes, replacements,
additions, or improvements (structural or otherwise) (each an "ALTERATION") in
or to the Premises or any part thereof without the consent of Landlord;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that Landlord shall not unreasonably withhold, condition or
delay its consent to any of the same which do not affect the structural,
mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, plumbing, heating, ventilating or air
conditioning systems serving either the Building or the Premises. All
Alterations in the Premises (whether installed with or without Landlord's
consent), shall at the election of Landlord remain in the Premises and be
surrendered with the Premises at the expiration of this Lease without
disturbance, molestation or injury; FURTHER PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that any and all
manufacturing items or other items of Tenant's personalty shall remain Tenant's
property and shall be removed by Tenant upon the expiration or earlier
termination of the Term. Should Landlord elect that Alterations made by Tenant
in the Premises be removed upon expiration or termination of this Lease, Tenant
shall cause same to be removed and to repair any damage caused thereby and
restore the Premises at Tenant's sole cost and expense and Tenant shall
reimburse Landlord for the cost of such removal together with any and all
damages which Landlord may suffer and sustain by reason of the failure of Tenant
to remove the same and to repair and restore as set forth above. Tenant shall
similarly restore any damage resulting from its removal of its personal
property.

            (b) Landlord is delivering the Premises to Tenant in their "AS IS"
condition, without any representation or warranty of any kind, express or
implied, as to their condition and without any obligation to perform any work or
to pay for any third party or Tenant to perform any work. By its execution of
this Lease, Tenant acknowledges that it has inspected Building and the Land and
that they are in condition satisfactory to Tenant.

            (c) All of Tenant's work shall be done by contractors acceptable to
Landlord in its reasonable discretion. Alterations by Tenant, including any
initial build-out, shall be coordinated with any work being performed by
Landlord. As further conditions to Landlord's approval of any proposed
Alterations or additions by Tenant which are to be made by a contractor, Tenant
shall cause the contractor(s) and subcontractor(s) to carry workmen's
compensation insurance in statutory amounts, builder's risk insurance and
comprehensive public liability insurance with limits as approved by Landlord,
and Tenant shall deliver to Landlord certificates of all such insurance.
Tenant's work shall be performed in a first-class and lien-free manner. Tenant
shall not be Landlord's agent for purposes of this work and Tenant shall be
solely responsible for any mechanics' or materialmen's lien arising therefrom;
Tenant shall pay, bond or otherwise release of record any such lien within ten
(10) days after receiving notice of its existence.

            (d) Tenant shall promptly pay for any work done or material
furnished in or about the Premises and shall not permit or suffer any lien to
attach to the Premises, and Tenant shall indemnify and save Landlord harmless
from and against any loss, liability, cost, or expense which may be incurred by
Landlord with respect to any such lien or claim of lien. Tenant shall promptly
cause any such liens which have arisen by reason of any work claimed to have
been undertaken by or through Tenant to be released by payment, bond or
otherwise within thirty (30) days after request by Landlord. Tenant shall have
no authority or power, express or implied, to create or cause any lien, charge,
or encumbrance of any kind against the Premises or the Building. Tenant shall
notify all of its contractors and materialmen in writing that any liens relating
to any work ordered by Tenant shall attach to Tenant's leasehold estate in the
Premises and shall not encumber Landlord's interest in the Premises or the
Building.

         9. SUBLETTING AND ASSIGNMENT: Tenant shall not sublet the Premises or
any part thereof or transfer possession or occupancy thereof to any person, firm
or corporation, or transfer or assign this Lease, nor will any assignment or
subletting hereof be effected by operation of law or otherwise, without
Landlord's prior consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed
or conditioned. A sale or other conveyance of any sort of all or substantially
all of the assets of Tenant relating to the Premises, or of a sufficient amount
of the stock or other ownership interests in Tenant to constitute a change in
control, or of any general partnership interest in Tenant if Tenant is a
partnership, whether directly or indirectly, constitutes an assignment under
this Paragraph. If Tenant desires to sublet the Premises or if Tenant desires to
transfer or assign this Lease, Tenant shall give Landlord thirty (30) days
written notice of Tenant's intention so to do. In no event whatsoever, and
without limiting Landlord's right to reasonably reject any proposed sublease or
assignment, may this Lease be assigned in part or the Premises subleased in
part, without Landlord's prior written reasonable consent.

         10. TENANT'S COVENANTS: Tenant further agrees: that no sign,
advertisement or notice shall be inscribed, painted or affixed on any part of
the outside or inside the Premises or Building except as may be expressly
permitted by this Lease, and then only in such size, color and style as Landlord
may reasonably approve; that Landlord shall have the right to prescribe the
weight and method of installation and position of safes or other heavy fixtures
or equipment and Tenant shall not install in the Premises any fixtures,
equipment or machinery that will place a load upon any floor exceeding the floor
load per square foot area which such floor was designed to carry; and that all
damages done to the Building by taking in or removing a safe or any other
article of Tenant's equipment, or due to Tenant's being in the Premises, shall
be repaired at the expense of Tenant.

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         11. ACCESS: Tenant further agrees that it will allow Landlord, its
agent or employees, or any mortgagee to enter the Premises at all reasonable
times: to examine, inspect or to protect the same or prevent damage or injury to
the same, or to make such alterations and repairs to the Premises or other
premises as Landlord may deem necessary; to exhibit the same to prospective
tenants during the last nine (9) months of the Term or following the
commencement of any action to evict Tenant, even if the Term has not been
terminated; and to exhibit the same to prospective and actual mortgagees,
purchasers and brokers at any time during the Term.

         12. DAMAGE:

             (a) In the event of damage to or destruction of the Premises, the
Building, or Tenant's other Alterations, or any portion thereof, during the Term
by fire, explosion or other casualty ("Damage"), this Lease will not terminate
unless Landlord determines that it will take Landlord more than ninety (90) days
to repair and restore the Premises to the same condition they are in on the date
hereof, in which event Landlord may terminate this Lease by notice to Tenant.

             (b) Unless this Lease is terminated pursuant to PARAGRAPH 12(A),
and except as expressly provided to the contrary in this Lease, in the event of
any Damage to the Premises: (i) this Lease shall remain in full force and effect
and to the extent possible, Tenant shall remain in possession of the Premises,
and (ii) whether or not any insurance proceeds are available or adequate for
such purposes and regardless of the dollar amount of such damage or loss, at
Tenant's own sole cost and expense, Tenant shall repair, refixture, restock and
otherwise restore the Premises to the same condition they were in before such
fire or other casualty. Due allowance, however, shall be given for a reasonable
time required for adjustment and settlement of insurance claims and for such
other delays as may result from government restrictions and controls on
construction, if any, and for strikes, national emergencies, and other
conditions beyond the control of the parties. (c) Any restoration required to be
performed by Tenant under this PARAGRAPH 12 shall be commenced by Tenant
promptly after such damage or destruction, and shall be diligently and
continuously pursued to completion and shall be completed by Tenant in a good
and workmanlike manner and in accordance with all Legal Requirements.

             (d) Tenant shall have no right to terminate this Lease or to have
the rent and other charges due hereunder abated despite the occurrence of Damage
to the Premises, the Building or Tenant's other Alterations, even if such Damage
prevents the conduct of Tenant's business on the Premises. No compensation,
claim, or diminution of Rent will be allowed or paid by Landlord by reason of
inconvenience, annoyance, or injury to business arising from any such Damage or
the necessity of repairing the Premises or the Building, however the necessity
may occur.

         13. PERSONAL PROPERTY: All personal property of Tenant at the Premises
is at the sole risk of Tenant. Landlord is not liable for any accident or
damages to property of Tenant resulting from the use or operation of elevators
or of the heating, cooling, electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, plumbing or other
Building systems or components. Landlord is not, in any event, liable for
damages to property resulting from water, steam, or other causes. Tenant hereby
expressly releases Landlord from any liability incurred or claimed by reason of
damage to Tenant's property. Landlord is not liable in damages, nor is this
Lease affected, for conditions arising or resulting from construction of
contiguous premises. The foregoing does not exculpate Landlord from its gross
negligence or willful misconduct.

         14. LIABILITY FOR TENANT'S OPERATIONS; INDEMNIFICATION:

             (a) Landlord assumes no liability or responsibility whatsoever with
respect to the conduct and operation of the business to be conducted in the
Premises. Landlord shall not be liable for any accident or injury to any person
or persons or property in or about the Premises which are caused by the conduct
and operation of said business or by virtue of equipment or property of Tenant
in the Premises. Tenant agrees to defend, indemnify and hold Landlord and
Landlord's mortgagees harmless from and against all such claims (including,
without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees). The foregoing does not
exculpate Landlord from its gross negligence or willful misconduct.

             (b) Tenant retains responsibility as operator of the Premises for
payment of all costs of the Premises, and shall defend, indemnify and hold
Landlord harmless therefrom, and from all costs incurred by Landlord in the
defense of any claims relating to the Premises brought against it or any action
relating to the Premises in which it is named as a party, including reasonable
attorneys' fees, costs of investigation, court costs and other such expenses.
This indemnification obligation shall survive termination of this Lease, and is
subject to the waiver of subrogation provisions of PARAGRAPH 6(e); PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Landlord
shall indemnify Tenant and hold Tenant and its affiliates and their respective
representatives, agents and employees harmless in connection with damage or loss
sustained by reason of the dishonesty, willful misconduct or negligence of
Landlord and its representatives, agents or employees.

         15. SERVICES AND UTILITIES:

             (a) Landlord shall provide the normal utility service connections
into the Premises. Tenant shall pay the cost of all utility service, including,
without limitation, initial connection charges, all charges for gas, water and
electricity used on the Premises, and for all plumbing, interior
cleaning/janitorial, and for all electric light lamps or tubes. Tenant shall pay
all costs caused by Tenant introducing excess pollutants into the sanitary sewer
system.

             (b) Any failure by Landlord to furnish any services or utilities to
be provided by Landlord or otherwise under this Lease as the result of any act
of God, FORCE MAJEURE or any cause beyond the reasonable control of Landlord
will not render Landlord liable in any respect for damages to either person or
property, nor be construed as an eviction of Tenant, nor work an abatement of
Rent, nor relieve Tenant from Tenant's obligations hereunder.

         16. BANKRUPTCY: If Tenant makes an assignment of its assets for the
benefit of creditors, or if Tenant files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, or
if an involuntary petition in bankruptcy or for receivership is instituted
against Tenant and the same is not dismissed within ninety (90) days of the
filing thereof, or if Tenant is adjudged bankrupt, then and in any of the
foregoing events, to the extent permitted by law, this Lease will immediately
cease and terminate at the option of Landlord with the same force and effect as
though the date of said event was the day herein fixed for expiration of the
Term.




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         17. DEFAULTS & REMEDIES: If Tenant fails to pay the Rent, or any
installment thereof, within five (5) days after the same becomes due and
payable, or if Tenant violates or fails or neglects to keep and perform any of
the covenants, conditions, and agreements herein contained on the part of Tenant
to be kept and performed within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice
of such failure or neglect, or if the Premises becomes vacant or deserted, then,
and in each and every such event, at the option of Landlord, Tenant's right of
possession will thereupon cease and terminate, and to the extent permitted by
law Landlord will be entitled to the possession of the Premises and to re-enter
the same without demand of Rent or demand of possession and may forthwith
proceed to recover possession of the Premises by process of law, ANY NOTICE TO
QUIT OR OF INTENTION TO RE-ENTER THE SAME BEING HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVED BY
TENANT. In the event of such re-entry by process of law or otherwise, Tenant
nevertheless agrees to remain answerable for any and all damage, deficiency or
loss of Rent which Landlord may sustain by such re-entry, including reasonable
attorneys' fees and court costs; and in such case, Landlord reserves full power,
which is hereby acceded to by Tenant, to relet the Premises for the benefit of
Tenant, in liquidation and discharge, in whole or in part, as the case may be,
of the liability of Tenant under the terms and provision of this Lease. In
addition to the foregoing remedies, Landlord will also have the following
remedies to the extent permitted by law and all other remedies afforded to it at
law or in equity, all of which shall be cumulative: to terminate this Lease; to
declare due and payable all Rent for the unexpired Term as and when the same
becomes due and payable or to defer any suit until after the Term without
thereby prejudicing its rights; to accelerate the Rent for the remainder of the
Term and declare it all immediately due and payable [with a present value
discount two (2) whole percentage points below the prime rate published in The
Wall Street Journal on the date Landlord elects said remedy]; and to bring an
action for specific performance, injunction, or other equitable relief to
prevent any threatened or impending default or to end any existing default. In
addition, Landlord may perform any obligation which Tenant has failed to perform
after the expiration of any applicable notice and/or cure period (except in an
emergency, when no notice or cure period will be necessary or afforded), all at
the cost of Tenant as Additional Rent payable upon demand. Tenant shall also pay
all expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees)
incurred by Landlord following a default, whether or not suit is instituted; the
same shall be Additional Rent payable upon demand. In determining the Rent due
for the balance of the Term, all Additional Rent shall be determined by
projecting into the future the Additional Rent payable on the date of default
increasing by a compounding five percent (5%) per Lease Year. No waiver of any
breach of any covenant, condition, or agreement herein contained shall operate
as a waiver of the covenant, condition or agreement itself, or of any subsequent
breach thereof. No provision of this Lease shall be deemed to have been waived
by Landlord unless such waiver shall be in writing signed by Landlord. No
payment by Tenant or receipt by Landlord of a lesser amount than the Rent herein
stipulated shall be deemed to be other than on account of the earliest
stipulated Rent, nor shall any endorsement or statement on any check or any
letter accompanying any check or payment as Rent be deemed an accord and
satisfaction, and Landlord may accept such check or payment without prejudice to
Landlord's right to recover the balance of such Rent or pursue any other remedy
provided in this Lease. Landlord shall have a lien for the payment of the Rent
upon all of the goods, wares, chattels, fixtures, furniture and other personal
property of Tenant which may be in or upon the Premises, Tenant hereby
specifically waiving any and all exemptions allowed by law; such lien may be
enforced on the nonpayment of any installment of Rent by the taking and selling
of such property in the same manner as in the case of chattel mortgages on
default thereunder; said sale is to made upon ten (10) days notice served upon
Tenant by posting upon the Premises or such lien may be enforced in any other
lawful manner at the option of Landlord.

         18. RIGHTS OF LENDERS, GROUND LESSORS AND PURCHASERS: This Lease is
subject and subordinate to all ground or underlying leases (hereinafter
collectively referred to as "GROUND LEASES") and to all of the terms and
provisions and liens of all mortgages and/or deeds of trust (hereinafter
collectively referred to as "MORTGAGES") which may now or hereafter affect this
Lease or the Building, and to all renewals, modifications, consolidations,
replacements, amendments and extensions thereof. This clause is self-operative,
and no lessor or mortgagee (as used in this Lease, "MORTGAGEE" includes any
mortgagee under a mortgage, any beneficiary or trustee under a deed of trust,
and any lender or other secured party under a deed to secure debt or other
instrument similar to any of the foregoing) may require any instrument of
subordination. In confirmation of such subordination, Tenant shall execute
promptly any certificate that Landlord may request. Tenant hereby constitutes
and appoints Landlord Tenant's attorney-in-fact to execute any such certificate
or certificates for and on behalf of Tenant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a
ground lessor or mortgagee may recognize this Lease and, in the event of the
termination of any ground lease or any foreclosure or similar sale or deed in
lieu thereof under such mortgage, this Lease will continue in full force and
effect at the option of the ground lessor or mortgagee (or the purchaser at any
such foreclosure sale). Tenant will, at the written request of the ground lessor
or mortgagee (or the purchaser at any such foreclosure sale), execute,
acknowledge and deliver any instrument that has for its purpose and effect the
subordination of such ground lease or mortgage to this Lease. In any case, such
ground lessor, mortgagee, landlord or successor shall not be bound by any
prepayment on the part of Tenant of any Rent for more than one month in advance,
so that Rent shall be payable under this Lease in accordance with its terms as
if such prepayment had not been made; nor shall any such ground lessor,
mortgagee, landlord or successor be liable for any default under this Lease by
any predecessor Landlord or subject to any counterclaim, set-off or defense as a
result of any such default; and provided, further, such ground lessor,
mortgagee, landlord or successor shall not be bound by this Lease or any
amendment or modification of this Lease unless Landlord's ground lessor or
mortgagee, as may be applicable, had approved the same in writing. At any time
and from time to time, upon the request and at the sole option of any successor
to Landlord's interest, Tenant shall attorn to any successor to Landlord's
interest, whether such successor acquires its interest by voluntary conveyance,
foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure, termination or expiration of a ground
lease, or any other method, and in that event this Lease shall continue as a
direct lease between Tenant and such landlord or its successor and the prior
Landlord shall be released from all obligations and liability under this Lease
arising after the date of transfer. The terms of this Lease are subject to
approval by the Landlord's ground lessor(s) and lender(s), and such approval is
a condition precedent to Landlord's obligations hereunder. Tenant shall furnish
copies of any default or similar notices delivered by Tenant to Landlord
hereunder at the same time to each ground lessor or mortgagee, now or at anytime
and from time to time hereafter, and no such notice shall be effective unless
and until a copy of it is sent to each such ground lessor or mortgagee, provided
that Tenant has been afforded written notice of the name and address of such
party. Each such ground lessor or mortgagee may cure any default by Landlord
within the same time period afforded Landlord to cure any such default, plus
such additional period of time thereafter as may be reasonably necessary for
such ground lessor or mortgagee to cure such default.

         19. CONDEMNATION: If the Premises or any part thereof is taken or
condemned for public or quasi-public use or purpose by any competent authority,
or conveyed in lieu of being taken or condemned, Tenant will have no claim
against Landlord and will not have any claim or right to any portion of the
amount that may be awarded to Landlord as damages or paid as a result thereof.
All right of Tenant to damages therefor, if any, are hereby assigned by Tenant
to Landlord. Upon such condemnation or taking, or conveyance in lieu thereof,
the Term shall terminate from the date of such governmental taking or
condemnation, or conveyance in lieu thereof, and Tenant will have no claim
against Landlord for the value of any unexpired Term. Nothing in this Paragraph
limits or affects Tenant's right to seek any separate award from the condemning
authority as long as Tenant does not thereby reduce, delay or in any other way
affect Landlord's claim or award.





<PAGE>   6


                                       -6-



         20. SUCCESSORS: All rights, remedies and liabilities herein given to or
imposed upon either of the parties hereto extend to their respective heirs,
executors, administrators, successors and permitted assigns.

         21. TENANT HOLDOVER: If Tenant continues to remain in the Premises
after the termination or expiration of the Term, then Tenant will become a
tenant by the month at 125% of the Base Rent per month payable for the last
month before the expiration or termination of the Term plus all Additional Rent
that may be incurred during any such holdover, but in no event less than the
then market rent for the Premises. Holdover Rent will commence with the first
day following the end of the Term. During any holdover, each party must give the
other at least thirty (30) days written notice to quit the Premises, except in
the event of any default by Tenant, in which event Tenant will not be entitled
to any notice to quit, the usual thirty (30) days' notice to quit being hereby
expressly waived; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if Tenant holds over after the
expiration of the Term hereby created, and if Landlord desires to regain
possession of the Premises promptly at the expiration of the Term, then at any
time prior to Landlord's acceptance of Rent from Tenant as a monthly tenant
hereunder, Landlord, at its option, may forthwith re-enter and take possession
of the Premises without process, or by any legal process in force. Tenant shall
not use FORCE MAJEURE as an excuse for any holding over.

         22. POSSESSION: Landlord shall give possession of the Premises to
Tenant on the Commencement Date. If Landlord is unable to give possession of the
Premises on the Commencement Date because any portion of the Premises are
located in a Building being constructed that has not been sufficiently completed
to make the Premises ready for occupancy, or because a certificate of occupancy
has not been procured, or if Landlord is unable to give possession of the
Premises on the Commencement Date because of the holding over or retention of
possession by any previous tenant, occupant or owner, or if repairs,
improvements or decorations of the Premises or of the Building are not
completed, or for any other reason, Landlord will not be subject to any
liability for the failure to give possession on the Commencement Date. No such
failure to give possession on the Commencement Date will affect in any other
respect the validity of this Lease or the obligations of Tenant hereunder, nor
will the same be construed in any way to extend the Term. If Landlord permits
Tenant to enter into the possession of the Premises or a portion of the Premises
prior to the Commencement Date, such occupancy shall be deemed to be under all
terms, covenants, conditions and provisions of this Lease.

         23. JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY: If Tenant consists of more than one
individuals and/or entities, then the liability of each of them for Tenant's
obligations under this Lease shall be joint and several.

         24. PRONOUNS: Feminine, masculine or neuter pronouns shall be
substituted for each other, and the plural shall be substituted for the singular
number and vice versa in any place in which the context may require such
substitution.

         25. LATE PAYMENT: If Tenant fails to pay any Rent on or before the
fifth (5th) day after such payment becomes due and payable, Tenant shall pay to
Landlord a late charge of five percent (5%) of the amount of such overdue
payment. In addition, any Rent not paid when due will bear interest at the
lesser of eighteen percent (18%) per annum or the maximum rate allowed by law
until paid. Acceptance of the foregoing sums shall not constitute a waiver of
the default. Upon Landlord's receipt of any check from Tenant which is
dishonored for payment, Landlord may require Tenant to make all future payments
due to Landlord hereunder by cash, certified or cashier's check.

         26. NOTICES: All notices required or desired to be given hereunder by
either party to the other shall be given by hand, by overnight courier or by
certified or registered mail. Notices shall be effective upon receipt (refusal
to accept delivery or the inability to make delivery due to an incorrect or
outdated address being provided by the intended recipient shall constitute
receipt). Notices to the respective parties must be addressed as follows:

         If to Landlord -           Monte R. Black
                                    9711 Lancaster Road, S.E.
                                    Hebron, Ohio  43025

         If to Tenant -             MPW Industrial Services, Inc.
                                    9711 Lancaster Road, S.E.
                                    Hebron, Ohio  43025
                                    Attn:  Daniel P. Buettin

Either party may, by like written notice, designate a new address or addressee
to which notices must be directed. Tenant shall provide a copy of any notice
given to Landlord to any mortgagee or ground lessor of whom Tenant has notice.
Notices may be given by authorized agents or attorneys on behalf of a party.

         27. ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATES: Within ten (10) days after request therefor
by Landlord or any ground lessor or mortgagee of the Building, Tenant shall
execute and deliver estoppel certificates certifying, among other things: the
text of this Lease and any amendments thereto; whether this Lease has been
amended and, if so, the date of each such amendment; whether this Lease is in
full force and effect and, if not, the reason therefor; whether any default or
any situation which could be a default after the giving of notice or the
expiration of any cure period (or both) exists under this Lease on the part of
Landlord or Tenant and, if so, specifying the default or potential default;
whether Tenant has taken possession of the Premises; whether the Premises have
been completed in accordance with the terms of this Lease and all bills therefor
paid and, if not, what remains to be done or paid; the Commencement Date and the
expiration date of the Term; whether Tenant has any renewal options, expansion
options, or rights to purchase and, if so, identifying the conditions and
periods when they may be exercised; the date Rent commenced to accrue and the
date to which Rent has been paid; whether any security deposit has been posted;
whether Tenant has any knowledge or any environmental problem affecting the
Premises or the Building; and such other matters as may be reasonably requested.

         28. NO PERSONAL LIABILITY: Notwithstanding any provision of this Lease
to the contrary or any general rule of law, in no event whatsoever shall
Landlord or any of its shareholders, partners, directors, officers, employees,
agents or other principals have any personal liability whatsoever with respect
to this Lease, and no such personal liability shall be sought, obtained or
enforced. Any liability of Landlord under this Lease may be enforced solely
against Landlord's equity interest in the Land and Building; no other properties
or assets of Landlord are subject to this Lease or Landlord's liabilities
hereunder.




<PAGE>   7


                                       -7-



         29. BROKERS: Each party represents and warrants to the other that it
has not engaged or used any broker or finder in connection with this Lease. Each
party shall defend, indemnify and hold the other party harmless from and against
any breach by the indemnifying party of the representation and warranty set
forth in the first sentence of this Paragraph. Tenant shall defend, indemnify
and hold Landlord's ground lessors and mortgagees harmless from and against any
breach by Tenant of the representation and warranty set forth in the first
sentence of this Paragraph. No broker is a third party beneficiary of this
Lease.

         30. COMPLETE AGREEMENT; NO ORAL MODIFICATIONS: This Lease represents
the complete and integrated agreement of the parties with respect to the
Premises and, except as set forth herein, there are no other agreements,
covenants, representations or warranties (express or implied) between the
parties. Nothing in this Lease shall be deemed or construed to create a
partnership or joint venture or to create any relationship other than landlord
and tenant. This Lease may not be amended except by a written document signed by
the party to be bound thereby.

         31. GOVERNING LAW AND RULES OF INTERPRETATION: This Lease is governed
by the laws of the State of Ohio without regard to conflicts of laws. Without
limiting a party's right to bring any action in any other jurisdiction or forum,
each party submits itself to the jurisdiction of the federal and local courts
sitting in the State of Ohio and to venue therein. It is the intent of the
parties that this Lease will be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by
law. If any provision of this Lease is capable of two or more interpretations or
can be reformed so as to comply with applicable law while giving effect to the
intent of such provision, then such provision shall be interpreted in the way
most likely to be in compliance with applicable law. Although the printed
provisions of this Lease were drawn by Landlord, this Lease shall not be
construed either for or against Landlord or Tenant.


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have executed this Lease under
seal as of the day and year first above written.


                                                 LANDLORD:

WITNESS:

/s/ Daniel P. Buettin                            /s/ Monte R. Black
-----------------------                          -------------------------------
                                                 Monte R. Black
WITNESS:

/s/ Brad A. Martyn 
-----------------------

WITNESS:

/s/ Daniel P. Buettin                            /s/ Susan K. Black
-----------------------                          -------------------------------
                                                 Susan K. Black
WITNESS:

/s/ Brad A. Martyn 
------------------------


                                                 TENANT:

WITNESS:                                         MPW INDUSTRIAL SERVICES, INC.

/s/ Rodd Lape
-----------------------
                                                 By: /s/ Daniel P. Buettin
                                                    ----------------------------
WITNESS:                                         Name: Daniel P. Buettin
                                                      --------------------------
/s/ Matt W. Hughes                               Title: Vice President, CFO and
-----------------------                                 Secretary
                                                       -------------------------





<PAGE>   8


                                       -8-




                                 ACKNOWLEDGMENT
                                 --------------


STATE OF     Ohio          )
          -----------------) SS.
COUNTY OF   Franklin       )
          -----------------


                  Before me, a Notary Public in and for said County, personally
appeared the above-named Monte R. Black and Susan K. Black ("Landlord"), who
acknowledged that they did sign the foregoing instrument on behalf of Landlord,
and that the same is their free act and deed on Landlord's behalf and the free
act and deed of Landlord.

         IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal at
Columbus, Ohio this 11th day of February, 1998.


[Notarial Seal]                                /s/ Dawn M. Black
                                               ---------------------------------
                                               Notary Public

                                               My commission expires:
                                                September 26, 2001


                                 ACKNOWLEDGMENT
                                 --------------


STATE OF     Ohio          )
          -----------------) SS.
COUNTY OF   Franklin       )
          -----------------


                  Before me, a Notary Public in and for said County, personally
appeared the above-named Daniel P. Buettin, Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Secretary of MPW Industrial Services, Inc. ("Tenant"), who
acknowledged that he did sign the foregoing instrument on behalf of Tenant as
such officer, and that the same is his free act and deed on Tenant's behalf and
the free act and deed of Tenant.

         IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal at
Columbus, Ohio this 11th day of February, 1998.


[Notarial Seal]                                /s/ Dawn M. Black  
                                               ---------------------------------
                                               Notary Public

                                               My commission expires:
                                                September 26, 2001






<PAGE>   9




                                    EXHIBIT A

                          LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE LAND
                          -----------------------------

                                   [ATTACHED]