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History

Our History

Improving performance and improving
the world since 1878.

APV’s history spans more than a century of industrial innovation, beginning as Akron Varnish Works in 1878. Through evolving markets and technologies, our company has expanded its capabilities, transitioned into advanced coating solutions, and continued to invest in performance-driven innovation. Each milestone reflects a disciplined approach to growth, adaptability, and long-term reliability.

1878

Founding Year

APV Engineered Coatings was founded in 1878 by J. Martin Beck and Edward G. Kubler under the name of Akron Varnish Works. The company’s product line consisted of wood varnishes and black enamels, and business steadily grew. Since its beginning, APV has maintained its singular focus of meeting the ever-changing needs of engineered coatings for product manufacturin

1893

The Bicycle Boom

In 1893, the safety bicycle was invented, and a bicycle boom occurred. Everybody wanted one! The company reaped the benefits of this boom as more than half of the nation’s bikes were finished with enamel from Akron Varnish Works.

1912

The Ford® Model T

In 1912, the factory was expanded to accommodate the fast-growing demands of the automobile industry.

Akron Varnish Works enjoyed outstanding prosperity supplying Black Japan, a high-temperature baking enamel that provided a shiny aesthetic to Ford Motor Company’s Model T.

The company continued to grow and develop new products, which enabled it to survive The Great Depression.

“Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it’s black.”

Henry Ford

1935

Trade Sales Growth

Reflecting a new line of paints and varnishes, its stockholders changed the company name to The Akron Paint & Varnish Company. As the trade sales part of the business grew, the company’s expanding sales included the tire industry, airline industry, and products for government applications.

1982

New Ownership, New Vision

David Venarge, a former employee, purchased The Akron Paint & Varnish Company and became President. The trade sales division was sold, and the company refocused its efforts on developing innovative chemical technologies and offering contract manufacturing services to OEMs. In the 1990s, in recognition of this continued research, development, and engineering orientation, the company changed its name to APV Engineered Coatings.

1995

The First Patented Water-Based Cement

Originally engineered for The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, ZEVOC® was a breakthrough technology developed and patented by APV chemist, Robert J. Murray. It’s s a zero VOC, water-based, and non-flammable adhesive for bonding rubber components.

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2010

Innovative Niche Products

APV prospered from innovative niche products for OEM markets such as aerospace, architectural coatings, and tire and rubber products.

2018

140 Years of Service

APV reached a new milestone with record sales and a celebration of 140 years of service.

2020

Perseverance & Expansion

With rapid changes in the economy and the onset of COVID-19, APV persevered during the pandemic and expanded contract manufacturing operations to include disinfectants, cleaners, and liquid soap products.

2023

Celebrating 145 Years

APV proudly celebrates 145 years of service while continuing to make investments in cutting-edge technology to further their R+D capabilities.

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