A Look Back at the History of Sherwin-Williams
Founded in 1866, Sherwin-Williams is one of the oldest and most respected paint companies in the world. Today, they are a leader in both residential and commercial coatings, but they had very humble beginnings. Let’s take a look back at the history of this iconic company and how it became an industry leader.
The Origins of Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams was founded in Cleveland, Ohio by Henry Sherwin and Edward Williams. The two men first met in 1858 when they both worked for a local seed store. Three years later, they decided to go into business together and opened their first retail paint store on Superior Avenue. In 1866, they registered the company as “Sherwin & Williams” and began selling ready-mixed paints out of five-gallon cans.
By 1870, their business had grown significantly, so they moved to larger quarters on Prospect Avenue. They also started producing their own line of oil paints, varnishes, enamels, and stains under the name “Sherwin-Williams”. During this time period, they also developed a line of special paints called “Sanitary Enamels” that were designed to keep out bacteria and germs – making them ideal for bathrooms and medical facilities.
Expansion & Innovation
Over the next few decades, Sherwin-Williams continued to expand their product lines to include everything from wood finishes to roof coatings. In 1929, they unveiled their signature product - Super Kem Tone®, which quickly became one of the most popular interior house paints on the market. They also began manufacturing automotive finish coatings in 1933 and introduced an industrial paint line in 1942 that included primers for steel structures like bridges and ships.
In 1975, Sherwin-Williams acquired Duron Paints & Coatings which allowed them to expand into new markets like home improvement stores and professional painters who serviced commercial buildings such as warehouses and office buildings. By 1985, they had become one of the largest paint retailers in North America with over 4500 stores throughout North America alone! Their success continues today as they continue to develop new products including environmentally friendly options such as zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints that help improves indoor air quality while still providing excellent coverage.
Conclusion:
Sherwin-Williams has come a long way since its humble beginnings over 150 years ago! Through innovation and expansion into various markets around the world, it has become an industry leader when it comes to providing high-quality paints for both residential and commercial use. Their commitment to developing environmentally friendly solutions makes them an even more attractive option for customers looking for ways to reduce their impact on the environment while still getting excellent results from their painting projects! Whether you need paint for your home or business – be sure to check out Sherwin-Williams – you won’t be disappointed!
