We come to work every day to take care of people, whether that's by helping our customers take moisture out of the air, make paint stick or take care of their homes. Our products help businesses grow, professionals get the job done, and homeowners refurbish. And we've been doing it for over 60 years.
Why are we employee-owned?
Because each one of us has a vested interest in the company, we're more motivated, involved, and knowledgeable than most traditionally structured companies. We're all working together toward the same goals. And it shows in our company growth year after year.
For six decades, W.M. Barr & Company has grown by leaps and bounds by responding to the needs of our professionals and homeowners. By combining technology and biology, we'll continue bringing value to everything we touch for years to come.
1946 William M. Barr founds company with the market's first non-flammable paint remover
1968 First contract signed for custom blending and packaging services
1969 Barr founder and owner William M. Barr passes away
1973 Finished construction and moved into a new office and manufacturing facility. Increased operations to provide for continued growth
1977 Increased operations size to provide additional new products and service for a growing market
1978 First Home Depot store supplied
1984 Completed construction on a new state of the art distribution center
1987 Acquired KWIK
1994 Acquired Wood Finishers Pride
1996 Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) starts with 100% buyout of company stock
1997 Acquired Armor All Home Care
1998 Acquired CitriStrip
1999 ISO 9001 certification obtained
2003 Acquired DampRid
2006 Acquired Solutionex