Our history
Founded in 1946 by William M. Barr, the company quickly became an icon in the home improvement and automotive repair industries. Fifty years later, with the sale of the business to our employees, W.M. Barr has become the model of a successful ESOP company. Through the talent, vision and hard work of our employee owners, we have continued to introduce innovative new products, acquire new businesses and brands, and achieve exceptional growth and profitability. And we've only just begun.
-
71 years of success
For more than seven decades, W.M. Barr & Company has grown by responding to the needs of businesses and homeowners. By combining technology and biology, we will continue to bring value to everything we touch for years to come.
-
1946
William M. Barr founds company with the market's first non-flammable paint remover.
-
1968
First contract signed for custom blending and packaging services.
-
1969
Barr founder and owner William M. Barr passes away.
-
1973
Finished construction and moved into a new office and manufacturing facility. Increased operations to provide for continued growth.
-
1977
Increased operations size to provide additional new products and services for a growing market.
-
1978
First Home Depot store supplied.
-
1984
Completed construction on a new state-of-the-art distribution center.
-
1987
Acquired KWIK.
-
1994
Acquired Wood Finishers Pride.
-
1996
Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) starts with 100% buyout of company stock.
-
1997
Acquired Armor All Home Care.
-
1998
Acquired CitriStrip.
-
1999
ISO 9001 certification obtained.
-
2003
Acquired DampRid.
-
2006
Acquired Solutionex.
-
2008
Acquired Jasco, Bix, Trask Research, and Goof Off product lines.
-
2011
Mold Armor acquires the rights to the patented delivery method for hose end products that feature a bleach-based formula.
-
2011
Acquired Microban.