HARTFORD, Conn. — Permatex is marking its 100th year in business. The company was founded in 1909 by Constant A. Benoit Sr., a creative chemist, who started the business with a simple glue he developed for bonding bicycle tires. Mr. Benoit was also a motorsports enthusiast and frequently attended car races. At a 24-hour race in 1915, he noticed that many of the cars were constantly blowing head gaskets and pitting for repairs. Benoit came up with a sealant that solved the problem and launched Permatex into the automotive chemical maintenance business.
Today, the company offers a wide range of adhesives, sealants, gasket makers, hand cleaners, lubricants, appearance products, specialty repair kits and additives.
According to Andy Robinson, general manager of Permatex, “We’ve come a long way since Mr. Benoit’s ground-breaking effort helped change the face of endurance racing, but that same pioneering spirit that helped to launch the Permatex brand over 100 years ago continues to drive the company today. His passion for innovation is evident in the wide range of advanced products we are now marketing, such as our Gel Twist and Gel Squeeze threadlocker delivery systems, ‘torque and go’ 1-Minute Gasket, B-Force 100% biodegradable lubricant, and Low-VOC, foaming action Gasket Remover. At Permatex, we are focused on understanding what consumers need and want, and we put our efforts into R&D programs that will help us develop the next generation of new products.”
Permatex now has more than 350 products and produces approximately 1,200 SKUs, providing market-specific formulations and application methods for a variety of industries, including automotive, marine, heavy duty and off highway. The company is constantly working with automakers, parts suppliers, service parts groups and other aftermarket companies to develop the next generation of service technology.
In addition to product development, Permatex is also focused on developing even more extensive support for its product lines and distribution partners with new packaging, bi-lingual clinics and online training for professional and student technicians, product demo videos, category management, expanded website activities and motorsports sponsorships.
“At Permatex, we continue to deliver products that make caring for cars easier and repairs more reliable,” Robinson added. “From our performance proven chemicals and shop supplies that simplify maintenance and repair to our innovative appearance and additive products that work better and last longer, Permatex delivers best-in-the-business performance and value. As we get ready for yet another century of quality and innovation, we’d like to thank all of our customers for making Permatex the brand they trust to get the job done right.”
Editor’s Note: Stay tuned exclusive Executive Interview with Andy Robinson in Monday’s edition of aftermarketNews.
