Sherwin-Williams Packaging Coatings History
For over 150 years, Sherwin-Williams has been providing protection for cans, their contents, and the brands we serve.
Sherwin-Williams has a long history of providing protection for cans, making them more colorful, versatile and durable - over 150 years! Not only were Sherwin-Williams products used to protect the world's first cars, appliances and skyscrapers, but the Packaging Coatings division also developed the first vinyl protective coatings for beer cans in 1935. In fact, we've been operating a business devoted exclusively to packaging coatings since 1984.
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.
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.
First commercial beer cans in history are lined with clear vinyl made by Valspar
This was a major event for Valspar (Stoner-Mudge at that time) and for the tin can. Stoner-Mudge teamed with Pittsburgh Mellon Institute of Industrial Research and Carbide and Carbon Company to develop the vinyl lacquer. American Can produced the first commercial "keglined" beer cans for test marketing Krueger's Beer lined with the Stoner-Mudge clear vinyl lacquer. The lacquer protected the tin plate from the beer and provided a non-toxic, odor-free and taste-free barrier between the metal can and the beverage. This development made possible and began the trend to package beer and beverages in cans.
Can coating business expansion allowed Stoner-Mudge to purchase a larger manufacturing site on the North Side of Pittsburgh where the Sherwin-Williams Packaging Coatings Division Global Technical Center operates today.
Sherwin-Williams contributes to the war effort
Coatings for shell cases, fuel storage tanks, and food ration cans were supplied - contributing to the war effort.
Stoner-Mudge acquires Impervious Varnish Company of Rochester, PA
Impervious sold a line of oleoresinous products and provided additional manufacturing facilities and land for expansion of the Pittsburgh site. Sherwin-Williams Packaging Coatings are manufactured in Rochester still today.
First coatings for drawn aluminum cans and steel D&I cans are developed
Sherwin-Williams (then Stoner Mudge) creates the first coatings for newly emerging drawn aluminum cans and steel D&I cans.
Stoner-Mudge became a division of Martin Marietta
In 1956 American-Marietta Corporation acquired Stoner-Mudge. American-Marrietta then merged with the Martin Company in 1958 and Stoner-Mudge became a division of Martin-Marietta Company. The advantage of the acquisitions was a new laboratory building and expansion of the Pittsburgh plant.
Mobil Finishes became the Chemical Coatings Division
Mobil Finishes became the Chemical Coatings Division of Mobil Chemical Company. The Pittsburgh group became the Packaging Coatings Group, on January 1, 1966
Valspar becomes a public company
Valspar moves its headquarters to Minneapolis and opens on the New York Stock Exchange as VAL.
Valspar purchased the Chemical Coatings Division from Mobil
On August 1, 1984, Valspar purchased the Chemical Coatings Division, including the Packaging Group from Mobil. This acquisition more than doubled Valspar’s size.
The "Red Brick Building" pictured was demolished in 2019.
First universal beverage end coating
Sherwin-Williams (formerly Valspar) commercialized the first universal coating for coil-coated beverage ends.
First universal solvent-based and non-vinyl beverage end coating
Sherwin-Williams (formerly Valspar) develops the first universal solvent-based, non-vinyl coating for coil coated beverage ends.
First universal water-based and non-vinyl beverage end coating
Sherwin-Williams (formerly Valspar) introduces the first universal water-based, non-vinyl coating for beverage ends.
Non-BPA coatings for Closure Interiors
Valspar commercializes non-BPA interior coatings for closures, including infant food caps.
Sherwin-Williams launches valPure® brand
The valPure® umbrella brand for Sherwin-Williams non-BPA packaging coatings technologies was launched at an event at Metpack 2014, leading the way for conversion by customers and brands to meet consumer preferences for canned goods with non-BPA linings.
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.
The first non-BPA epoxy, valPure V70, is commercialized
The first non-BPA epoxy platform technology, valPure V70, is commercialized June 2017 for the beverage and food industry. Coatings based on this revolutionary platform offer can makers and brand owners application and pack performance equal to standard epoxy coatings from a non-BPA solution.
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.
Sherwin-Williams Packaging Coatings Division acquires Watson Standard
Watson Standard has highly-complementary offerings, with the packaging division of Sherwin-Williams. For more than 100 years, Watson Standard has been a respected manufacturer of specialty coatings, inks and adhesives offering a broad range of quality products to customers in the general industrial, pharmaceutical, tobacco, confectionery, food, beverage and general packaging sectors. This acquisition provides strategic new growth opportunities and entrance into unique markets.
