About us

Who we are

Solvex is a representative of Rust-Oleum, a subsidiary of RPM International, Inc., in Lithuania that manufacture innovative paints and coatings for professional users and consumers.
With an output of over 100 million items a year, Rust-Oleum is also the largest producer of paint aerosols in the world.

In brief:
  • Founded in 1921 in the US
  • Turnover of over USD 1 billion
  • 1000 employees
  • Headquartered in Vernon Hills, IL, USA
  • Offices and factories in 10 countries
  • Subsidiary of RPM International

Europe: focussing on professionals
In Europe, our products are aimed at professionals with a strong focus on maintenance and renovation—from aerosols producing instant results to advanced coating systems. We also provide non-slip, repair and maintenance products.

What we stand for

Saving time, money and stress

The modern professional has no time to waste. The highest cost within maintenance and renovation projects is often hourly wages. We can help by providing products that save time, money and worry

Sustainability and innovation
We are a chemical company and are aware of the importance of treating our surroundings and the environment with respect. We cater to the needs of our target audience and do so in the most environmentally conscious and innovative way possible.

A rich history

From fish oil to multinational

Rust-Oleum has grown from a sole proprietorship into a global company with over a thousand employees. The path that the organisation has followed is an interesting story about the adventures of one man and his sons. Scottish born Robert Fergusson is sailing the seas as Captain and gets inspired by the rust-preventing characteristics of fish oil. This is where the road to international waters began:

1919-1921 – Captain Fergusson succeeds in finding the right formulation for a fish-oil based primer that dries overnight without unpleasant odours and founds the Anti-rust company is founded in New Orleans in 1921. The Wonder Product 769 is born.
1932 – Robert Fergusson moves to Chicago and founds the RUST-OLEUM Paint Co.
1939 – Opening of new plant in Evanston, IL.
1949 – First major advertising in newspaper Time. Start of the consumer business success in the USA, based on a great brand name recognition.
1959 – Opening of European office and factory in Haarlem, The Netherlands. A delegation from the US comes over by ship to help setting up the operation. The official opening of the factory is done by the mayor of Haarlem.
1969 – European office moves from Haarlem to the new built office and factory building in Roosendaal, the Netherlands that is still in use today.
1983 – French distributor Gachot is acquired to become RUST-OLEUM France S.A.
1991 – RUST-OLEUM’s European business acquired by RPM Inc.
1992 – Martin Mathys N.V. acquired by RPM Inc. This company would later on merge with the RUST-OLEUM Europe business.
1994 – RPM Inc. acquires Rust-Oleum Corporation (US business)
2009 – RUST-OLEUM celebrated its´ 50th year of business in Europe

Contacts

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