Customers grow under our wing

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.