Following is a ranking of the top 25 North American coatings manufacturers in 2020. The ranking is based on 2020 coatings sales. Sales of other non-coating products are not included. Because of acquisitions, three companies on the list last year are not included this year. Most notably, Ennis-Flint, which was ranked #7 in last year's list, was removed due to its sale to PPG at the end of 2020. Also removed from the ranking are Sun Coatings Inc. (purchased by Innovative Chemical Products Group in January) and New Nautical Coatings Inc. (purchased by AkzoNobel at the end of 2020). Sales numbers for the top 25 remained relatively stable during 2020. Of the 27 companies on the list, eight companies reported increased sales, seven reported a decrease in sales, and the remainder reported sales similar to 2019. Read more about changes in the industry during 2020 in my Guest Viewpoint. If you have any questions, or feel your company should be included in this ranking, please contact me at parkerpcimag@gmail.com.

*You can find full descriptions of the first four companies in the Global Top 10 on the previous page.

Founded in 1947, Behr Paint Co. is one of the largest manufacturers of paints, primers, decorative finishes, stains and surface preparation products for do-it-yourselfers and professionals in North America. Behr is part of the Decorative Architectural Products segment of Masco Corp. Behr produces architectural coatings, including paints, primers, stains and waterproofing products. Products are sold in North America, South America and China under the BEHR^®, BEHR PRO^® and KILZ^® brands. They are sold to DIY and professional customers through paint stores, home centers and other retailers. Behr is a leader in the DIY market, partnering with The Home Depot to sell paints, decorative finishes, primers, stains and surface-preparation products. The Home Depot is Behr’s largest customer. In 2020, sales from that segment represented $2.37 billion, which is 33% of the 2020 total net sales for Masco of $7.188 billion.

Parent Company: Masco Corp.

Source: Masco Corp. Annual Report

A specialty chemical company engaged in the formulation, manufacture and marketing of coatings and adhesives, Innovative Chemical Products (ICP) Group has operations headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, and more than two dozen additional manufacturing and distribution locations located throughout the United States, Europe, Mexico and Australia.

A portfolio company of Audax Private Equity, ICP Group manufactures products under several recognized brands through two distinct business units. ICP Building Solutions Group focuses on product solutions dedicated to delivering high-performance professional products and services for building and construction applications. ICP Industrial is a global leader in the development, application and technical support of specialty coatings, delivering innovative solutions to the packaging, labeling and graphic arts industries.

Notes: A few key acquisitions in 2020 have added to ICP’s portfolio. Leeson Polyurethanes is an adhesives and coatings company in the U.K. ICP reports that Leeson Polyurethanes is the leading innovator and manufacturer of polyurethane adhesives and coatings in the U.K. Founded in 1986, the company serves a wide range of customers across numerous industries across the globe, including insulation, building and construction, sports surfaces, recreational areas, polyurethane waterproofing, OEM factory uses and more. Gardner Gibson and Sun Coatings, (Gardner-Gibson) is a manufacturer of liquid-applied roof coatings, roofing products, driveway sealers and specialty paints primarily serving professional contractors for commercial and residential applications. Based in Tampa, Florida, Gardner-Gibson is one of the leading providers of liquid-applied roof coatings, roofing products, driveway sealers and specialty paint, and is recognized for its industry-leading brands. With manufacturing and distribution facilities across the United States and Canada, Gardner-Gibson’s products are sold in leading retailers and building supply distributors under the Gardner^®, Black Jack^®, APOC^® and Dyco^® brands. In April of this year, ICP announced it had entered into an agreement to acquire Choice Adhesives, a leader in custom adhesive solutions for a variety of industries. Choice Adhesives’ strong offering in the professional roofing adhesives market will complement the growing ICP Building Solutions Group (ICP BSG) portfolio, which includes roofing brands like Polyset^® and APOC^®. By broadening its technological capabilities in the roofing space, ICP BSG will have a greater ability to serve professionals everywhere.

Source: Company contact, press releases

Founded in 1883, Benjamin Moore is a leading manufacturer of premium residential and commercial coatings. The company became a subsidiary of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway in 2000 and is part of Berkshire Hathaways’ building products portfolio. Benjamin Moore manufactures premium residential, commercial and industrial maintenance coatings.

Brands include Aura^®, Regal^® Select, Ultra Spec^®, ben^®, ADVANCE^®, ARBORCOAT^® and more. The company has an expansive color portfolio of over 3,500 colors. Benjamin Moore paints are available exclusively from 7,500 locally owned and operated paint, decorating and hardware retailers throughout the United States and Canada as well as 75 countries globally. Selected products manufactured by Benjamin Moore are sold at Ace Hardware stores. As of 2020, Benjamin Moore assumed responsibility for manufacturing Ace’s Clark+Kensington^® and Royal^® brands, and the rest of Ace’s private-label brands. Benjamin Moore is committed to innovation and sustainable manufacturing practices.

Parent Company: Berkshire Hathaway

Notes: In December 2020, Benjamin Moore announced the acquisition of its United Kingdom distribution partner, Shaw Paints Ltd. With the acquisition, Shaw Paints Ltd. became Benjamin Moore UK. It operates showrooms in Slough, Chelsea and Wilmslow, as well as fulfillment to a network of authorized stockists throughout the market.

Source: Berkshire Hathaway Annual Report, press releases

Shawcor Ltd. is a global company serving various sectors of the infrastructure, energy and transportation markets through three reporting segments: Pipeline and Pipe Services, Composite Systems, and Automotive and Industrial. The company operates through a global network of fixed and mobile manufacturing and service facilities The company’s Pipeline Performance Group provides field-applied coating systems, factory-applied coating systems and logistics solutions. The division provides specialized coating systems and related services for corrosion protection, insulation and weight coating applications on land, and marine pipeline including highly engineered corrosion and insulation systems for deep-water applications.

In 2020, the company reported total revenue of $1.178 billion Canadian dollars, of which approximately $543 million Canadian dollars was reported as revenue from the sale of products and approximately $636 million Canadian dollars from the sale of services. Coatings sales are reported based on the company’s reported sale of products for 2020.

Notes: In May of this year, Shawcor announced that its then-CEO Steve Orr would retire effective June 1, 2021. The company’s President, Mike Reeves, succeeded Orr as CEO.

Source: Consolidated financial statements, press releases

One of the largest employee-owned paint companies in the United States, Kelly-Moore is known in the industry as the “Painter’s Paint Store.” The company has a reputation in the industry for its high-quality products, fair prices and exceptional customer service. A leader and innovator of waterborne coating technology, Kelly-Moore was the first major paint company to offer recycled/reclaimed paints and zero-VOC waterborne colorants. Kelly-Moore operates over 160 company-owned stores in California, Nevada, Oklahoma and Texas. The company sells through 125 authorized independent paint retailers throughout the western United States.

Notes: In 2019, Kelly-Moore Paints launched DuraPoxy HP, a high-performance acrylic urethane enamel designed for excellent durability, adhesion and block resistance. It is suitable for use in high-performance architectural and light industrial applications. In May 2020, the company launched KellyMooreShop.com, its online retail store.

Source: Company contact, press releases, company website

Since beginning operations in 1978, Lanco Paints & Coatings' mission has been one of superior customer satisfaction centered on a drive to produce the best quality products. Lanco’s product line encompasses a wide array of applications ranging from architectural coatings and wood finishes to industrial adhesives and high-performance sealants. This family owned company has grown to an international enterprise with manufacturing facilities in the United States, the Caribbean, Central America and South America. Lanco’s products can be found from the southernmost tip of Chile to northern Canada.

Lanco Paints & Coatings prides itself on its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, which allow it to deliver consistently great products at the highest of quality standards. Its facilities conform to the highest ISO and safety standards. The company’s coating formulas use only approved raw materials from some of the world’s biggest and most advanced chemical manufacturers.

Notes: Lanco recently announced the construction of a manufacturing plant for coatings, adhesives, sealants and related products in Santiago, Chile. The plant signals an expansion by the company into the South American market. Lanco anticipates a production and distribution facility that is under construction in Kingston, Jamaica, will be completed at the end of 2021. That facility will serve local customers and all of the Caribbean. Additionally, Lanco is planning to build a manufacturing plant in Guatemala.

Source: Company contact

Cloverdale Paint operates manufacturing plants directly and through a subsidiary company, Rodda Paint Co., in Surrey, British Columbia; Portland, Oregon; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Mississauga, Ontario; Oakville, Ontario; London Ontario; and Calgary, Alberta. The company distributes architectural coatings and related products through 136 distribution points throughout Canada and the Pacific Northwest, including Alaska. Cloverdale’s industrial maintenance, protective coatings and OEM products are distributed through its corporate stores and through industrial distribution service centers located in Surrey, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Mississauga, Ontario; London Ontario; Portland, Oregon; and Montreal, Quebec.

Notes: On April 30, 2021 Cloverdale Paint acquired KelCoatings Limited and Oakside Chemicals Limited in London, Ontario. Established in 1967 KelCoatings has become a leading manufacturer of custom coatings for coil coating applicators in Canada and the United States. The company has a stable base of customers built on long-term relationships and has earned a reputation for its strong technical capabilities in product formulations, excellent customer service and consistent quality. Oakside Chemicals Limited was established in 1975 and has over 45 years of experience recycling waste solvents for customers primarily in the automobile manufacturing sector in Southern Ontario.

Source: Company contact, company website

Diamond Vogel provides coating solutions throughout North America to the industrial, architectural, industrial wood, aerosol, traffic and toll manufacturing markets. Founded in 1926 in Orange City, Iowa, the company manufactures both liquid and powder coatings that are sold under the brands of Diamond Vogel, Old Masters and Van Sickle. Diamond Vogel operates a network of eight manufacturing facilities and more than 40 company-owned stores in 12 states.

Notes: In April 2020, Diamond Vogel introduced Diamond Fleet^®, a two-component, single-stage topcoat designed for OEM fleet and fleet refinish applications. Diamond Fleet is an acrylic polyester urethane that is reported to exhibit exceptional urethane toughness, extended gloss and color retention, and excellent chemical and abrasion resistance. In July of 2020, Old Masters, a division of Diamond Vogel, announced it new professional line of wood coatings. These coatings are specifically developed for contractors, builders and wood shops, and are sold through independent dealers. The line features advanced water-based spray finishes as well as traditional pre-catalyzed lacquers, conversion varnishes, and sealers.

Source: Company contact

Family owned and operated, Yenkin-Majestic is a vertically integrated manufacturer of coatings and resins. The company is split into three divisions: Majic Paints, Yenkin Industrial Coatings and OPC Polymers. Majic Paints is the consumer paint division of the Yenkin-Majestic Paint Corp. This division manufactures a complete line of consumer finishes including oil-based, acrylic and latex paints; wood finishing products; aerosol paints; and a variety of specialty products for home, farm and industrial use. The company’s industrial division manufactures waterborne and solventborne products, including urethanes, epoxies and polyesters. Serving the North American market, Yenkin-Majestic’s OPC Polymers operations develop high-performance co-polymers and other product categories, including water-reducible alkyds, monomer-modified and high-solids specialties, and water-based alkyd dispersions and emulsions, epoxy esters, and a range of VOC-compliant vehicles.

Source: Company contact, company website

A manufacturer of industrial and architectural protective coatings, Tnemec Company, Inc. supplies high-performance coatings and linings for water tanks, wastewater treatment plants, industrial facilities and specialty architectural structures. In operation since 1921, the company offers over 150 products, including the StrataShield line of resinous floor and wall coatings, and Chemprobe water repellents and stains for concrete, masonry and wood.

Notes: In October 2019, Tnemec purchased assets of Textured Coatings of America Inc. (Tex•Cote^®). Established in 1961, Tex•Cote manufactures high-performance, water-based coatings for use on commercial, residential and Department of Transportation (DOT) projects. Tex•Cote manufactures a variety of products including COOLWALL^® coatings for exterior vertical substrates, REFLECT-TEC^® coatings for roofs, and COOL-TEC^® coatings for horizontal concrete and decks, which incorporate specialty pigment technology that reflects infra-red heat to help keep exterior surfaces cooler compared to traditional paints. In May 2020, Tnemec announce the launch of three low-VOC polyurethane coatings: Series 1094, Series 1095 and Series 1096 Endura-Shield. These new products, like other Endura-Shield coatings before them, provide UV protection to a wide variety of structures across multiple environments and climates.

Source: Company contact, press releases

True Value LLC is one of the world’s largest hardware wholesale distributors. It includes approximately 4,500 independent retailer locations worldwide operating under the True Value, Grand Rental Station, Taylor Rental, Home & Garden Showplace and Induserve Supply stores. True Value LLC manufactures paint brands for True Value retailers and third-party customers. Its EasyCare brand of interior and exterior paint is manufactured in Cary, Illinois, and distributed globally to retail hardware stores.

Source: True Value Corporate Communication Department, press releases

Founded in 1923, Hentzen Coatings Inc. specializes in the development, engineering and manufacturing of liquid and powder coatings, primarily for aerospace, defense, architectural and general industrial applications. It has five U.S. manufacturing plants plus a powder manufacturing plant in Nanjing China. Hentzen provides coatings to over 40 foreign countries throughout North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Products include a wide variety of waterborne, solventborne and powder coatings.

Hentzen is privately owned and operated by the Hentzen family, with the fourth generation of Hentzens now actively involved in the management of the company.

Source: Company contact

ELANTAS PDG, Inc. (EPDG) supplies specialty polymers for the electrical and electronic industries. Key products include magnet wire enamel, insulating varnishes, encapsulating resins, potting compounds, adhesives, conformal coatings and flexible electrical insulation. Products are sold primarily under the CONAP^® and CONATHANE^® brand names and are used in electronics, electrical and specialty adhesive applications. With sites in St. Louis, Missouri, and Olean, New York, EPDG can serve customers throughout North America. With the support of the ELANTAS sister divisions around the globe, ELANTAS continues to be the leading supplier of specialty polymers for the electrical and electronic industries worldwide.

Parent Company: ALTANA, AG, of Germany

Source: Company website, press releases, company contact

IFS Coatings is a privately owned powder coatings company that supplies innovative and sustainable thermosetting and thermoplastic powder coatings for metal and heat-sensitive substrates to industries and consumers across North America and beyond. With a focus on unparalleled service and solving customer problems, the company provides environmentally responsible powder products that deliver performance, protection and aesthetics to the architectural, automotive, appliance, furniture, hardware, industrial, interiors, job shop and retail markets. Brands include IFS Coatings, Polychem and OpenThrottle. With ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturing facilities in Texas and Oklahoma, and a network of warehouses across the United States, the company serves customers in the United States, Canada, South America and beyond.

Notes: In March of this year, IFS Coatings announced the groundbreaking of a new facility located next to the company’s headquarters and manufacturing plant in Gainesville, Texas. Phase one of the project is an initial 40,000 sq. ft. facility, which is part of a 70,000 sq. ft. total expansion plan. The new building will accommodate increased capacity and new technology, and will include space for manufacturing, warehousing and development projects.

Source: Company contact, press releases

Gemini Industries is an employee-owned company that manufactures and distributes an extensive line of coatings, aerosol products and touchup materials for the architectural wood finishing market. If offers a line of high-performance coatings for cabinetmakers, furniture finishers and refinishers that represents 50% of sales. The company also manufactures a line of EPA-registered wood preservatives and related products for use on exterior decks, siding and fences. Gemini has five plants and distribution facilities that provide nationwide service.

Parent Company: Gemini Industries

Notes: In May of this year, Gemini announced the launch of EVO^® ECLIPSE, its newest waterborne coating system. It is easy to use, durable right out of the can, and can be further enhanced by adding the company’s waterborne hardener. Eclipse is ideal for kitchen cabinets, architectural millwork, wood furniture, interior doors, and moldings, field finishing on-site, refinishing, and designers that request anti-microbial protection.

Source: Company contact

Sheboygan Paint Co. is an independent manufacturer of industrial finishing solutions. Established in 1921, the company manufactures a diverse portfolio of product lines for OEM and refinish applications, serving a variety of customers including those in the transportation, waste containers, drums and cylinders, and general metal segments. Technologies include two-component epoxy, zinc-rich epoxy and polyurethanes as well as conventional high solids solvent-based and waterborne and water-reducible coatings. Sheboygan Paint operates two manufacturing and full-service laboratory facilities in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and Cedartown, Georgia, with distribution centers in Philadelphia and Los Angeles.

Source: Company contact, company website

Founded by John J. Farrell and T. Finley Calhoun, Farrell-Calhoun has been supplying the Southeast and Mid-South with premium-quality paints and coatings for over 115 years. Farrell-Calhoun is a manufacturer of architectural and industrial-maintenance coatings. The company has distribution throughout the Mid-South and Southeast through 44 company-owned stores and a network of around 120 dealers.

Source: Company contact, press releases

Founded in 1878, APV Engineered Coatings develops and manufactures innovative coating products. The company originally produced wood varnishes and enamels, most notably a unique and faster-drying black enamel for the Ford Motor Co.’s Model T. Today, APV provides coating solutions for some of the world’s top-producing manufacturers, with distribution in 26 countries. The company offers expertise in R&D, the commercialization of high-performance water- and solvent-based technologies, and contract manufacturing under private label. Its innovative solutions have been integrated into unique applications in a variety of industries, such as aerospace, industrial fabrics and textiles, tire and rubber goods, high-performance building products, and others. A licensee of Arkema Inc. in the use of Kynar^® emulsion technology, APV has been developing and commercializing high-performance PVDF resin-based coatings for field and factory applications for more than a decade. APV’s top brands include NeverFade^®, Vynguard^®, Kapguard^® and Walkway^®.

Notes: In 2020, APV's manufacturing headquarters in Akron became an EPA-Registered Facility, receiving its designation as EPA Establishment No.96197-oh-1. The registration certifies the company's production of pesticides and active ingredients in a designated facility.

Source: Company contact, press releases

Founded in 1954 by Edward and Joseph Richard, Richard’s Paint Mfg. Co. Inc. is a privately owned company that provides a full range of architectural, commercial, industrial and specialty coatings. With 120 employees, Richard’s Paint products are sold in the United States, Bahamas and Caribbean Islands, as well as Central America and overseas.

Source: Company contact, company website

Established in 1972, H-I-S Paint Manufacturing is a manufacturer of architectural and industrial coatings for numerous national and global markets. The company is known for its pharmaceutical formulation capabilities in various industrial markets that require compliant technologies to perform in every condition. H-I-S currently operates out of two manufacturing facilities in Oklahoma City. Brands include Life-Kote and Master Thane within the industrial division, and Country Classic, Imperial and Valor within the architectural division.

Source: Company website, company contact

Fortech Products is a global manufacturer of TechKote, a low-VOC, water-based, high-heat, corrosion-resistant coating, as well as metalworking/forming lubricants, industrial cleaners, and rust preventives.

As the leading automotive industry supplier of rear axle, propshaft, power steering pump, engine pulley and damper coatings, Fortech Products has since expanded its industry capabilities, moving into the commercial truck, and off-highway agricultural industries, supplying TechKote (WA 2975 R) water-based, extreme chip-resistant coatings, and its new-generation TechKote (WA 2951 P) corrosion-resistant coating. These products are fortified with superior adhesion properties that may be applied over bare steel with less-than-ideal surface preparation.

For 2021-2022, Fortech looks forward to further diversification, adding additional commercial truck, agricultural and other industrial markets.

Source: Company contact

In operation since 1979, NAPCO provides products and training for bathtub, tile, shower and countertop refinishers. Today, NAPCO is a premier supplier to the refinishing industry. The company provides custom colors for kitchen and bath coatings, waterborne coatings, a four-hour coating, and a low-VOC two-hour coating. Continuing its commitment to innovation, NAPCO pioneers eco-friendly solutions whenever possible. NAPCO serves all 50 states and five foreign countries.

The NAPCO team has been working to create new environmentally friendly coatings for several years. An independent research group has recognized NAPCO for meeting and exceeding the benchmarks for environmental safety. Products bearing the Green Wise label have been tested and certified by Coatings Research Group Inc. (CRGI) to meet environmentally determined performance standards established by CRGI's ISO-accredited facility for specific types of products, while also meeting or exceeding the VOC requirements of LEED^® for most applications.

Specifically, NAPCO's Kitchen Renew Satin Clear Countertop coating is the latest product to receive the Green Wise Certification from CRGI. The company’s new cabinet coatings either meet or exceed the KCMA specifications after application. NAPCO reports that it is the only manufacturer in the refinishing industry with a 1K waterborne coating.

Source: Company contact

Induron Protective Coatings is a third-generation, family owned manufacturing company with deep roots in Birmingham providing excellent products and high-quality service to the area, as well as national and international markets. Founded in Birmingham in 1947 under the name The Industrial Paint Manufacturing Co. Inc., Induron has evolved into a protective coatings business that has grown to include sales associates across the United States as well as an ever-expanding product line. Induron manufactures high-performance coatings that serve a range of industrial applications, including the wastewater; electrical transmission and distribution; and potable water storage, treatment and transmission industries.

Source: Company contact