Customers grow under our wing

The name Glasurit and our iconic scarlet macaw stand for highest quality standards, world-class products and exceptional services. Everything we do is focused on making your business more profitable – like challenging the status quo and working every day to become the most trusted brand in the industry.
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About us
1888
1888

1888: The history begins


In 1888 Max Winkelmann founded a lacquers and paints company in Hamburg. Soon after he also created his own paint factory.
Glasurit Story 1893

1893: Our success begins with white


Max’s first paint is marketed using the name Crystal White. This white enamel was originally used for ocean liners, he soon expands. Customers for his quality products include not only the major shipyards and the German Kaiser, but also the Hamburg tram transport company.
1898
Glasurit Story 1898

1898: Max Winkelmann becomes Glasurit


Ten years after founding the business, Winkelmann is already making so many different products that he wishes to sell them under one name. The Glasurit trade name was registered over 100 years ago. The name ("Glasur" means glaze or enamel) reflects the enamel-like glaze and hardness of paint finishes and promises quality. The "Mandarin head" on the tin is already a symbol of high quality awareness.
Glasurit Story 1925

1925: The parrot was born


Around a quarter of a century after the introduction of Glasurit as a trade name, the parrot is registered as a protected trademark. Together with the logo, the parrot gives Glasurit products an unmistakable and attractive appearance. The "Mandarin" is still displayed on the packaging, but no longer in the center.
1932
Glasurit Story 1932

1932: Glasurit’s product range is growing


Glasurit’s chemists quickly acquire a great reputation for the development of synthetic resin paints and enamels.
Glasurit Story 1945

1945-1955: The brand grows into a new age


During the recovery period after World War II, the demand for paints increases rapidly. The automotive industry becomes an even more important customer and the reputation of Glasurit’s lacquers and paints is growing, including in many countries outside Germany.
1956
Glasurit Story 1956

1956: The new era of the Art


The parrot becomes bolder and in turn, a stronger trademark. Its shape is more harmonious, dynamic and it becomes the sign of a great brand.
Glasurit Story 1964

1964: Metallics in automotive refinishing


With the introduction of 54 Line, Glasurit proves its leadership in technology. 54 Line is a real innovation, as it’s the first metallic basecoat line for automotive refinishing.
1965
Glasurit Story 1965

1965: BASF Aktiengesellschaft, Ludwigshafen


Acquisition of Glasurit-Werke Max Winkelmann AG by BASF Aktiengesellschaft in Ludwigshafen.
Glasurit Story 1982

1982: The Glasurit Ratio System


In 1982 the age of efficient, simple, manageable and safe automotive refinishing processes begins, in the form of the Glasurit RATIO System. In the RATIO systems, Glasurit products are logically and systematically matched. With the aid of these systems, all automotive refinishing jobs can be completed rapidly and at low cost.
1992
Glasurit Story 1992

1992: Glasurit 90 Line


Glasurit puts one of the first waterborne basecoat systems on the market. The 1992 automechanika fair heralds the premiere of the most successful water-based refinishing system on the German and European market. Owing to its first-class product quality and the simple, application-friendly handling properties intrinsic to the RATIO Aqua System, the use of 90 Line guarantees perfect refinishing results.
Glasurit Story 1995

1995: Glasurit 22 Line


Glasurit takes a further step towards increased eco-efficiency for bodyshops when introducing Glasurit 22 Line as a high solids refinishing system for solid-color finishes. The higher solids content means less solvent, combined with significant savings of material and processing time.
1996
Glasurit Story 1996

1996: Glasurit 55 Line


1996 sees the launch of Glasurit 55 Line, a new product for solvent-borne basecoat/clearcoat refinishing that even surpasses the product performance of the successful Glasurit 54 Line.
Glasurit Story 2000

2000: Glasurit RATIO Concept Plus


The automechanika fair in 2000 marks the debut of Glasurit RATIO Concept Plus, the comprehensive package for increased efficiency and improved workflows related to the bodyshop and management. With this package, Glasurit completes its progression from a simple paint supplier to a complete solution provider for all problems in and around the bodyshop.
2002
Glasurit Story 2002

2002: Glasurit 90 turns 10 years old


Since its launch 10 years previously, 90 Line has become the most successful waterborne basecoat system on the European market. Well over half of all waterborne basecoats now used in Germany are made by Glasurit. A fun, giant promotional truck is on tour in many European countries with information on waterborne basecoats and VOC legislation.
Glasurit Story 2004

2004: Glasurit 68 Line


In the spring of 2004, Glasurit 68 Line sets new standards in the area of commercial vehicles, both in original coating and in refinishing. As a consistent continuation of 18 Line, the VOC-compliant 68 Line exceeds everything available on the market with regard to efficiency, cost-effectiveness and process reliability.
2007
Glasurit Story 2007

2007: Glasurit Classic Car Colors


In 2007, Glasurit creates a special service for classic car owners entitled Classic Car Colors. Glasurit provides useful tips and important information on all aspects of classic car refinishing.
Glasurit Story 2009

2009: Refinish Competence Center (RCC)


Since 2009 Glasurit has offered the world’s most modern training facility for automotive refinishing at its Münster site. At the RCC, bodyshop employees use state-of-the-art technology as they learn the ins and outs of automotive refinishing on complete vehicles.
2012
Glasurit Story 2012

2012: Glasurit 90 Line 20th Anniversary


Glasurit 90 Line celebrates its 20th anniversary and, as in the past, it is still the market leader in the field of waterborne paint systems. Glasurit 90 Line ensures outstanding hiding power, easy application and optimal process times and is used not only in Europe but also in Asia as well as in North and South America.
Glasurit Story 2013

2013: ColorMotion


ColorMotion, the customer network starts in Europe, offering innovative solutions in business management, marketing, personnel management, infrastructure & sustainability to support its customers in developing their business.
2015
Glasurit Story 2015

2015: Glasurit parrot turns 90


Happy birthday, Ara! Although the Glasurit parrot reached the proud old age of 90 this year, it is just as bright and colorful as it was on the first day in 1925. The parrot is the Glasurit brand ambassador and has been repeatedly tweaked and adjusted to the taste of the times.
Glasurit Story 90 Line

2017: 25 years of sustainable success


As one of the first waterborne topcoat systems worldwide, 90 Line set new standards. And still today, it achieves perfect refinishing results in a simple, reliable, and efficient way.
2018
Glasurit Story 130 years

2018: 130 years of success


Since 1888 Glasurit has made paint history by offering groundbreaking ideas for solutions that make it easy for users to achieve first-class results.
Glasurit Story Line 100

2020: Glasurit 100 Line is launched


Glasurit 100 Line is launched. 100 Line is the first basecoat line in the market with a VOC value below 250 g/l, 40% below the EU solvent limit, and exceeding all global VOC requirements leading to unprecedented eco-effectiveness and quality.

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