From a small independent workshop in Birmingham’s Acocks Green to a global supplier of high performance niche products to multi-national customers in highly demanding industries – Indestructible Paint says its success is both notable and deserving of recognition as it celebrates its 40th anniversary this summer.
“As developer and manufacturer of high performance paints and coatings, we have always taken the view that reliability of supply and product innovation are fundamental – particularly when allied to a commitment to working closely with customers of all sizes and disciplines,” said Brian Norton, managing director of Indestructible Paint. “Because engineering and technology never stand still, coating performance is always in the spotlight – from corrosion or heat resistance to environmental improvement, such as our current focus on finding alternatives to chrome-based coatings.”
Today, the company operates from a growing storage and manufacturing facility near central Birmingham – it has recently acquired adjacent premises that will allow it to double in size – where it employs some 50 people, yet still retains its independent family-owned status. Original founder Doug Norton, who was recently honoured for 50 years’ membership of the Oil & Colour Chemists’ Association (OCCA), fulfils the role of Chairman while Brian Norton, has now been joined by brothers Alan and Michael, and sister Jill who oversee financial, IT and logistics operations respectively.
“We continue to place great emphasis on our independent structure, not least because the last 40 years has seen us develop both an understanding of the industry and a genuine passion for meeting both our customers’ current needs and pushing the boundaries of future development,” added Brian Norton. He points out that the company’s highly regarded research and development facility is at the heart of the latter, with many examples of products that have resulted directly from individual customer needs.
Indestructible Paint highlights much that has changed over the company’s 40-year history since Doug Norton first opened the doors of the independent company on 4th July 1978. Today, the operation exports to 65 countries worldwide, has active distributorship agreements from the Far East to the USA and includes leading manufacturers in industries such as aerospace, defence, marine and general engineering on its customer list.
“There is often much discussion that reflects the various benefits of localised activity and a genuinely global operation,” stated Brian Norton, “and we believe we are a prime example of success in both areas. We operate on very simple principles that all centre on ensuring our customers gain from a combination of reliability, creative thinking and product evolution, and the last four decades have proven that it is an approach that works.
“We could not have achieved this without the commitment and inspiration of everyone that has been involved with Indestructible Paint over the years and we have no hesitation in passing on our thanks to them all. It’s a proud history but, most importantly, stands us in good stead for the future.”
