APV History

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. 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.

In 1912, the factory was expanded to accommodate the fast-growing demands of the automobile industry. “Any color as long as it’s black” -Henry Ford. Akron Varnish Works enjoyed outstanding prosperity supplying black Japan, a high temperature baking enamel, to Ford Motor Company, which provided a shiny aesthetic identity to the Model-T Ford. Soon after, the company continued to grow and develop new products, which enabled it to survive The Great Depression. In 1935, reflecting this new line of paints and varnishes, its stockholders changed the firm’s name to The Akron Paint & Varnish Company. The trade sales part of the business grew and the company’s expanding sales included the tire industry, airline industry, and products for government applications.

In 1982, David Venarge purchased Akron Paint & Varnish, Inc. and became President. The trade sales division was sold, and the company focused its technology and expertise on the engineered coatings market. In the 1990s, in recognition of this continued research, development, and engineering orientation, the company once again altered its name, to APV Engineered Coatings.

In 2010, David Venarge became Chairman of APV and appointed Thomas Venarge as President. The company continues on a path of developing innovative products for niche markets in the specialty paints and coatings industry.

Today, the company’s customer base is very diverse, providing products and services to all industry arenas and the armed forces. Its philosophy is simple: partnering with customers is mutually beneficial – APV’s customers are its partners. APV’s long term commitment to engineering and manufacturing quality products is a legacy that will surely continue into the future.

Our Mission Statement:

APV's primary objective is to provide its customers with optimum service, while continuously seeking out innovative solutions to their problems. APV is acutely aware that its future success is dependent on its ability to meet the requirements of its customers today, and maintain its "easy to do business with" policy.