The History of Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings
With 150 years in business, Sherwin-Williams has been the go-to source of supply for high-performance coatings solutions.
For more than 90 years, professionals have asked for the aerospace coatings full line of topcoats, surface prep and interior coatings products from Sherwin-Williams. The company has extensive experience providing coatings solutions for the aviation industry’s thriving MRO segment.
1866
Following his service in the US Civil War, Henry Sherwin relocates to Cleveland, Ohio, and together with Edward Williams joins a fledgling paint company in 1866.
1877
Henry Sherwin, the company's first CEO, invents the first ready-mixed paint and resealable paint can. The product is labeled "SWP" - Sherwin-Williams Paint.
1883
The company dedicates a full-time salesman to developing the railroad market and procedes to develop a full line of finishes for all types of railroad equipment, including locomotives, passenger and freight cards, stations, and other types of railway property.
1905
The Cover the Earth design is introduced as the company's logo. The message of providing a coating for virtually every customer need, anywhere in the world, encapsulates Henry Sherwin's original vision and the customer focus of our employees today.
The Spirit of St. Louis
While Charles Lindbergh's trans-Atlantic crossing sparked the imagination of many and energized aviation as an industry, it was the success of the varnish that coated Lucky Lindy's plane that led the formalization of an Aeronautical Sales Division.
1928
Sherwin-Williams introduced its first product created exclusively for aviation, Aero Enamel. The next year, this revolutionary new coating was the paint of choice on the Southern Cross, which completed that first-ever trans-Pacific flight from mainland United States to Australia.
1970
Produced first batch of Jet Glo polyurethane paint.
1986
Acry Glo was first produced.
2000
Sherwin-Williams opened the Aerospace Service & Training Center in Andover, Kansas.
2003
Jet Glo Express polyurethane was launched into the aviation marketplace.
2008
The first plane was painted with SKYscapes basecoat-clearcoat.
2016
Our 150th birthday was commemorated by ringing the bell at the NYSE and various celebrations in Machester UK, Orlando and Cleveland. Sherwin-Williams did far more than look back in the 150th year, and agreed to buy Valspar, ensuring continued growth for the future.
2017
Sherwin-Williams completes its acquisition of Valspar, the largest in its history. Valspar's strong reputation and presence on six continents greatly expanded the company's global footprint, and added industry-leading capabilities in Packaging Coatings and Coil & Extrusion Coatings.
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