|
1895 |
Smooth-On,
Inc. was established in 1895 and began operations in Jersey
City, New Jersey. Conceived and developed by the founder,
Vreeland Tompkins, Smooth-On's original product was an
"Iron Cement" used to stop leaks of water and
steam in cast iron. |
|
1900 |
In the
1890's and for many years thereafter, the use of cast iron
for making all kinds of water and steam apparatus (stoves,
pipe, pumps, engines) was widespread. Foundry casting
techniques of that era were crude, resulting in holes and
cracks in iron castings. Smooth-On Iron Cement was ideal for
repairing leaks in these castings and quickly became the
industry standard for this maintenance and repair
application. |
|
1920 |
The company
grew steadily and prospered through these years. |
|
1930
1940 |
|
Although
cast iron had largely given way to steel, aluminum and a
host of other metals and alloys, there was still a need to
maintain older equipment. |
|
1950 |
Plastics
came along in the early 1950's and quickly replaced metals
for many applications. As a result, the demand for iron
cements quickly diminished. Smooth-On looked to new
technologies to address the changing marketplace and found
that epoxy resins exhibited remarkably strong adhesion to
metals, glass, concrete and many other surfaces. The company
focused its resources on developing epoxy based repair
cements that offered much greater versatility than the older
iron cement products.
In addition
to developing adhesive technology, Smooth-On developed a
number of products based on polysulfide polymers.
Polysulfides are similar to epoxies in that they are liquids
to which a curing agent is added to cause a reaction.
Instead of curing to a hard epoxy however, polysulfides cure
to flexible rubbers. Applications for Smooth-On FMC
polysulfides range from making flexible molds of artist's
creations to the casting of steel and aluminum molds for
vulcanizing automobile tires. |
|
1960 |
|
To increase
production capacity and keep up with a growing demand for
its products, Smooth-On moved to facilities in
Gillette, New Jersey (1967). |
|
1970
1980
|
|
To further
capitalize on market opportunities, the product line was
expanded in the 1970's to include liquid rubber and plastic
products based on polyurethane technology. These products
have wide application in both the industrial and art
sectors. Smooth-On's state-of-the-art research laboratory
maintains the level of R&D necessary to keep Smooth-On in
the forefront of product innovation for adhesive, liquid
rubber and liquid plastic technology. |
|
1990 |
Smooth-On
acquired the G.P. Roeser Company (1992) and integrated its
products into the Smooth-On line. G.P. Roeser Company was a
substantial and significant entity known for innovative
developments in polysulfide, polyurethane and silicone
technology. Its "Rubber Liquid" trademark is well
known in several industries as a sign of quality. |
|
1995 |
Smooth-On
celebrates its 100th year of innovation, product quality and
customer service -- a milestone that many companies dream
about, but few attain. |
|
1996 |
Smooth-On
acquires the Formulated Release Agent Technology Division of
The George Mann Company. The Formulated Products Group
manufactures the most extensive line of release agent
products in the world and is divided into four distinct
categories: Ease Release Aerosols and Non-Aerosols,
Aqualease Water Base Releases, Actilease 100% Solids and
Permalease. The formulated products group offers a unique
and capability to Smooth-On's existing business and
technology base. Please check www.mann-release.com
for more information! |
|
1997 |
To meet
unprecedented demand for its products and increase future
manufacturing/storage capacity requirements, Smooth-On
constructs a brand new 50,000 square foot facility in
Easton, PA, with operations commencing as of July 28, 1997. |
Smooth-On