1878
History timeline founded

Founding Year

APV Engineered Coatings was founded in 1878 by J. Martin Beck and Edward G. Kubler under the name of Akron Varnish Works. The company’s product line consisted of wood varnishes and black enamels, and business steadily grew. Since its beginning, APV has maintained its singular focus of meeting the ever-changing needs of engineered coatings for product manufacturing.

1912
Model T Henry Ford on history timeline

The Ford® Model T

In 1912, the factory was expanded to accommodate the fast-growing demands of the automobile industry.

“Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it’s black,” Henry Ford

Akron Varnish Works enjoyed outstanding prosperity supplying Black Japan, a high temperature baking enamel that provided a shiny aesthetic to Ford Motor Company’s Model T.

The company continued to grow and develop new products, which enabled it to survive The Great Depression.

1982
Dave Venarge Race Car 1980s

New Ownership, New Vision

David Venarge, former employee, purchased The Akron Paint & Varnish Company and became President. The trade sales division was sold, and the company refocused its efforts on developing innovative chemical technologies and offering contract manufacturing services to OEM. In the 1990s, in recognition of this continued research, development, and engineering orientation, the company changed its name, to APV Engineered Coatings.

2010
History timeline 2012 laboratory

Innovative Niche Products

APV prospered from innovative niche products for OEM markets such as aerospace, architectural coatings, and tire and rubber products.

2020
2020 History- Disinfectant Products at APV

Perseverance & Expansion

With rapid changes in the economy and the onset of COVID-19, APV persevered during the pandemic and expanded contract manufacturing operations to include disinfectants, cleaners, and liquid soap products.

Learn More
1893
History timeline bicycle 2

The Bicycle Boom

In 1893, the safety bicycle was invented, and a bicycle boom occurred. Everybody wanted one! The company reaped the benefits of this boom as more than half of the nation’s bikes were finished with enamel from Akron Varnish Works.

1935
History time line Akron Varnish Works1935

Trade Sales Growth

Reflecting a new line of paints and varnishes, its stockholders changed the company name to The Akron Paint & Varnish Company. As the trade sales part of the business grew, the company’s expanding sales included the tire industry, airline industry, and products for government applications.

1995
APV History ZEVOC Patent

The First Patented Water-Based Cement

Originally engineered for The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, ZEVOC® was a breakthrough technology developed and patented by APV chemist, Robert J. Murray. It’s s a zero VOC, water-based and non-flammable adhesive for bonding rubber components.

Learn More
2018
140 years of service seal- yr 2019

140 Years of Service

APV reached a new milestone with record sales and a celebration of 140 years of service.

2023
145 years

Celebrating 145 Years

APV proudly celebrates 145 years of service while continuing to make investments in cutting-edge technology to further their R+D capabilities.

1878
History timeline founded

Founding Year

APV Engineered Coatings was founded in 1878 by J. Martin Beck and Edward G. Kubler under the name of Akron Varnish Works. The company’s product line consisted of wood varnishes and black enamels, and business steadily grew. Since its beginning, APV has maintained its singular focus of meeting the ever-changing needs of engineered coatings for product manufacturing.

1893
History timeline bicycle 2

The Bicycle Boom

In 1893, the safety bicycle was invented, and a bicycle boom occurred. Everybody wanted one! The company reaped the benefits of this boom as more than half of the nation’s bikes were finished with enamel from Akron Varnish Works.

1912
Model T Henry Ford on history timeline

The Ford® Model T

In 1912, the factory was expanded to accommodate the fast-growing demands of the automobile industry.

“Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it’s black,” Henry Ford

Akron Varnish Works enjoyed outstanding prosperity supplying Black Japan, a high temperature baking enamel that provided a shiny aesthetic to Ford Motor Company’s Model T.

The company continued to grow and develop new products, which enabled it to survive The Great Depression.

1935
History time line Akron Varnish Works1935

Trade Sales Growth

Reflecting a new line of paints and varnishes, its stockholders changed the company name to The Akron Paint & Varnish Company. As the trade sales part of the business grew, the company’s expanding sales included the tire industry, airline industry, and products for government applications.

1982
Dave Venarge Race Car 1980s

New Ownership, New Vision

David Venarge, former employee, purchased The Akron Paint & Varnish Company and became President. The trade sales division was sold, and the company refocused its efforts on developing innovative chemical technologies and offering contract manufacturing services to OEM. In the 1990s, in recognition of this continued research, development, and engineering orientation, the company changed its name, to APV Engineered Coatings.

1995
APV History ZEVOC Patent

The First Patented Water-Based Cement

Originally engineered for The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, ZEVOC® was a breakthrough technology developed and patented by APV chemist, Robert J. Murray. It’s s a zero VOC, water-based and non-flammable adhesive for bonding rubber components.

Learn More
2010
History timeline 2012 laboratory

Innovative Niche Products

APV prospered from innovative niche products for OEM markets such as aerospace, architectural coatings, and tire and rubber products.

2018
140 years of service seal- yr 2019

140 Years of Service

APV reached a new milestone with record sales and a celebration of 140 years of service.

2020
2020 History- Disinfectant Products at APV

Perseverance & Expansion

With rapid changes in the economy and the onset of COVID-19, APV persevered during the pandemic and expanded contract manufacturing operations to include disinfectants, cleaners, and liquid soap products.

Learn More
2023
145 years

Celebrating 145 Years

APV proudly celebrates 145 years of service while continuing to make investments in cutting-edge technology to further their R+D capabilities.

Today, our customer base is very diverse and our philosophy is simple: partner with the companies that want to improve performance and improve the world.

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One of the top 25 paint manufacturers in North America.

-according to Paints and Coatings Industry Magazine

-according to Paints and Coatings Industry Magazine

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