History
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.
The Ford® Model T
In 1912, the factory was expanded to accommodate the fast-growing demands of the automobile industry.
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.
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.
Innovative Niche Products
APV prospered from innovative niche products for OEM markets such as aerospace, architectural coatings, and tire and rubber products.
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.
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.
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.
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.
140 Years of Service
APV reached a new milestone with record sales and a celebration of 140 years of service.
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.
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.
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.
The Ford® Model T
In 1912, the factory was expanded to accommodate the fast-growing demands of the automobile industry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Innovative Niche Products
APV prospered from innovative niche products for OEM markets such as aerospace, architectural coatings, and tire and rubber products.
140 Years of Service
APV reached a new milestone with record sales and a celebration of 140 years of service.
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.
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.
One of the top 25 paint manufacturers in North America.
-according to Paints and Coatings Industry Magazine
-according to Paints and Coatings Industry Magazine
About us