Coating System history

1971 – Nova Tran Corporation was established in Clear Lake, WI. Nova Tran purchased a license agreement from UCC to be one of the world’s first Parylene service providers.

1984 – Union Carbide Corporation purchased Nova Tran.

Ike Walton, Vice President of Operations, has been working with the automotive industry for 22 years, and has been installing and operating powder coating systems since 1988.

Prime Coat was founded in 1990 by Christopher O’Brien with a basic business approach – provide high quality solutions for customers and the rest will take care of itself.

In 1991, Nova Tran, along with Integrated Technologies, Inc., PHOTOCURE Systems, and UCC Coatings Materials, were combined as a new company called Specialty Coating Systems (SCS). Union Carbide transferred all of the original information and patents regarding the development of Parylene to SCS.

1994 – Cookson Electronics purchased Specialty Coating Systems from Union Carbide.

In 1996 two additional owners were added to the roster, a third generation coating specialist, Michael Ballou, and a former executive VP from a national construction company, Raymond O’Brien.

In 1997, AIC continued to change with the growing economy and recognized the need for contract sandblasting and painting of large parts, investing in a liquid booth operation.

Sales are projected to be 450 million pounds by the year 2000.

An automated 60,000 sq. ft. powder coating facility was built in 2001, at the Allison Industrial Park.

In 2005 Prime Coat grew 50% and became best in class in two market segments.

In 2007, AIC expanded further to include an autophorectic line and monorail shot blasting system.

2008 – Berwind Corporation, a private, long-term investment management company, acquired SCS.

In 2009, a 50’ batch powder coating booth was added at AIC Greene facility.

In 2012, AIC added a dedicated liquid paint facility in Waterloo.

2016 – KISCO LTD., an international supplier of high-quality materials, products and services, acquired Specialty Coating Systems.

March 2021 – SCS acquired Diamond-MT, Inc.; headquartered in Johnstown, PA, DMT brings 20 years of Parylene and liquid coating experience to SCS’ portfolio.