Rust-Oleum history

Founded in 1929, Testor was the world's best-known hobby and craft trademark.

1939 - Opening of new plant in Evanston, IL. New building would be taking place over the years to come in order to keep pace with the continually growing business.

RPM founder Frank C. Sullivan had built a successful career as a sales executive with a Cleveland paint manufacturer, but decided to move out on his own in 1947.

In its first year Republic Powdered Metals achieved $100,000 in revenues, and by 1957 the company had reached the $2 million mark.

1959 - Opening of European office and factory in Haarlem, The Netherlands.

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

Success in that arena came quickly, and the effort was rewarded with increasing profits and President Lyndon Johnson's 'E' Award for excellence in export expansion in 1964.

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

1966: Company makes first acquisition, Reardon Company and its Bondex brand.

1969: First national public offering of the company's stock occurs.

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

With all of the acquisitions came increased responsibilities, and in 1978 Tom Sullivan and the board of directors decided to divide his leadership role into two positions: president/chief operating officer and chairman/chief executive.

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.

1983 - French distributor Gachot is acquired to become RUST-OLEUM France S.A.

Euclid Chemical Co., a 1984 acquisition, brought a leading manufacturer of liquid and powder concrete additives into RPM's product lineup.

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

Craft House Corp., a maker of craft, hobby, and toy products with $20 million in annual sales, further expanded RPM's do-it-yourself business in 1987.

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.

Net income for the year was $61.1 million, more than double the 1990 figure of $27.7 million.

1992 - Martin Mathys N.V. acquired by RPM Inc.

Jerry J. Dombick, an industry analyst, praised RPM's 'mutual fund of businesses' in a 1993 Chemical Week article.

Chicago agency Arian, Lowe, Travis & Gusick is the winner of the creative portion of the estimated $6 million advertising account of American Hawaii Cruises, certainly a nice new-business plum to launch 1994.