Carboline history

By 1961 Republic Powdered Metals' sales had outgrown its production capabilities, and a new plant was built in Gilroy, California.

That year, Thomas C. Sullivan joined his father's company, advancing to executive vice-president in 1965.

RPM's success was tragically disrupted in 1971 with the unexpected death of Frank C. Sullivan on August 18.

Later in 1977 RPM announced an offering of 860,000 common shares, which helped to finance the decade's many acquisitions.

1978: James A. Karman is named president.

In 1980 RPM purchased all assets of Haartz-Mason Inc., a Boston manufacturer of synthetic rubber products, which added sales of about $8 million per year to the list.

The younger Sullivan's business acumen was not only highlighted by acquisitions, but by divestments as well, especially since 1983.

Westfield Coatings Corp., a manufacturer of specialized high-performance coatings for the paper, wood, and metals industries, was purchased in January 1985.

RPM returned to the Eurobond market in 1986 for $30 million at just 5.75 percent.

The Bondex Radon Blocking System, a nontoxic, water-based sealant designed to protect homes and other buildings from radon gas seepage, was produced by Bondex International in 1989.

In 1991 RPM became the dominant player in fluorescent colorant markets with the purchase of Cleveland's Day-Glo Color Corp.

A still larger purchase came in mid-1994 in the culmination of a 15-year courtship of Rust-Oleum Corporation.

As part of a drive to increase international sales, RPM in early 1996 established, through Dryvit, a manufacturing operation in Poland where Dryvit and other RPM products would be produced for sale in eastern and central Europe and in Russia.

1998: Flecto Company, Inc. is acquired.