Permatex Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Permatex, the automotive maintenance chemical technology specialist, is marking its 100th year in business. The company was founded in 1909 by Constant A. Benoit Sr., a chemist, who started the business with a simple glue he developed for bonding bicycle tyres. At a 24-hour race in 1915 Benoit noticed that many of the cars were constantly blowing head gaskets and pitting for repairs. Benoit came up with a sealant that solved the problem and launched Permatex into the automotive chemical maintenance business.

According to Andy Robinson, general manager of Permatex, “We’ve come a long way since Mr Benoit’s ground-breaking effort helped change the face of endurance racing, but that same pioneering spirit that helped to launch the Permatex brand over 100 years ago continues to drive the company today. His passion for innovation is evident in the wide range of advanced products we are now developing and marketing. Our patented Gel Twist and Gel Squeeze threadlocker delivery systems, ‘torque and go’ 1-Minute Gasket, B-Force 100 per cent biodegradable lubricant, and Low-VOC, foaming action Gasket Remover are just a few of the most recent new product developments that continue Mr. Benoit’s pursuit of better solutions.”

Permatex now has over 350 products and produces approximately 1,200 SKUs, providing market-specific formulations and application methods for a variety of industries, including automotive, marine, heavy duty, and off highway. The company is constantly working with automakers, parts suppliers, service parts groups, and other aftermarket companies to develop the next generation of service technology.

In addition to product development, Permatex is also focused on developing even more effective support programs for its product lines and distribution partners with new packaging, bi-lingual clinics and online training for professional and student technicians, product demo videos, category management, expanded website activities, and motorsports sponsorships.

“At Permatex, we continue to deliver products that make caring for cars easier and repairs more reliable. From our performance proven ‘chemical tools’ and shop supplies that simplify maintenance and repair to our innovative appearance and additive products that work better and last longer, Permatex delivers best-in-the-business performance and value. As we get ready for yet another century of quality and innovation, we’d like to thank all of our customers for making Permatex the brand they trust to get the job done right,” notes Robinson.

Permatex is a leading manufacturer, distributor, and marketer of premium chemical products to the automotive maintenance and repair markets. Since 1909, Permatex has been an acknowledged leader in the development of innovative new products and services for the automotive aftermarket. Permatex markets a wide range of products under well-known ITW brand names such as Permatex, Fast Orange, No Touch, NOS, Spray Nine, The Right Stuff, Gel Twist, PermaPoxy, Ultra Bond and Dr Bond, Ultra Cherry, Grez-Off, and Earth Soap. NOS is a registered trademark of Nitrous Oxide Systems 2005.

Permatex currently operates in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the UK and exports products to more than 85 countries around the world. North American operations include Permatex’s headquarters in Hartford, CT, a state-of-the-art manufacturing, distribution, and technical centre located in Solon, Ohio, and a manufacturing facility in Kansas City, KS. Permatex is a division of ITW (Illinois Tool Works Inc.), a US based, NYSE listed corporation, founded in 1912. ITW is a Fortune 200 diversified manufacturing company.