ChemSpec USA began in 1976 when Pete Peterson founded Montana Products, Inc. a manufacturer and distributor of value branded automotive coatings, in rural Burbank, Ohio. He was convinced that if he could produce an improved product and market it more economically so that both body shops and auto owners would benefit. With the help of his family, Pete began formulating and selling new paint products as part of his vision to improve the automotive refinish market.
Initially, Pete and his family manufactured their products on the small farm in Burbank, Ohio, loading the truck each evening for next-day deliveries. Pete’s dedication to providing on-time deliveries and personal support quickly turned his customers into loyal friends.
He believed in the ideal that customers, employees and suppliers were part of an extended family. Treat them as such and the rest will follow.
As more people came to recognize Montana Products as a premier automotive refinish paint manufacturer, the company was able to grow significantly over the next two decades.
Montana’s following and trust in the manufacture and distribution of quality products grew tremendously over the next two decades. Our product diversity and offerings also grew with time, including factory packaged color options beginning in 1982.
1994 marked the introduction of Montana Products first mixing system. Montana® Big Sky® Intermix System has the ability to produce a multiple range of topcoats using one common set of toners. Customers could now mix Acrylic Enamel, Synthetic Enamel, Urethane and Polyurethane Single Stage paint. This system allowed the formulation of thousands of colors while meeting specific production demands and increasing your bottom line.
With success and continued growth, the company moved from its humble beginnings to a new 42,000 square foot facility in Orrville, Ohio. The passion for quality products at an affordable price lived on with an exciting milestone that same year. Montana Products introduced its first basecoat system.
Montana Products officially launched its basecoat system at NACE automotive trade show. System 50 offered a simplified approach in utilizing an intermix system that made mixing basecoat and other topcoat applications easier than ever. One common system of toners and binders were used to achieve various topcoats depending on the type of application needed. The system featured a smaller inventory, simplifed mix ratios, and a versatile color offering. Sadly CEO Pete Peterson passed away on his return trip home from the NACE show. Shortly after his death, Nancy Peterson became CEO.
A partnership was formed between Montana Products and Chemical Specialities, Ltd., a South African coatings manufacturer of automotive, industrial, fleet and architectural coatings. Montana would be the exclusive North American distributor of a new automotive basecoat system. Metalux® Automotive Refinish System was introduced into the U.S. and Canadian markets.
2006 marked the official launch of the Metalux® Automotive Refinish System at the NACE show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Nancy Peterson retired as CEO in 2007, but the principles of service and personal touch lived on with the merging of nationally based Montana Products, Inc. with the internationally based Chemical Specialties to form ChemSpec USA, Inc. The U.S. divisions success was the result of its management team's drive for innovation and constant determination to produce products that provide customers added value. Their commitment to service and quality brought about years of growth and new product launches.
Launch of Metacryl Premium, High Performance Coating System. Metacryl® is a premium, multi-use coatings line targeted for Commercial Fleet Refinishing, Industrial and OEM markets. This system features a full range of products from primers, clearcoats, single coat color and basecoat including metallic and pearlescent effects. With superior adhesion and corrosion protection to numerous substrates, Metacryl® provides an excellent gloss and appearance.
ChemSpec USA, Inc. was acquired by Axalta Coating Systems, LLC., a world-wide leader that develops and manufactures coatings for light and commercial vehicles, industrial, and refinish applications. Now operating as ChemSpec USA, LLC., we offer high performance, value priced products and best-in-class services to improve the lives of our customers.
