Insl-x says it has earned a reputation for introducing new products.

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President Jim Weil says Insl-x Products Corp. has a reputation for introducing new products, and its latest offerings include Stainmaster, Garage Guard and Stix Primer, as well as a line of green and low volatile organic compounds (VOC) products. “We’re always coming out with new niche products, and we’re very involved in the industry,” Weil adds.

Growth Over the Years
Today a part of Benjamin Moore & Co., Insl-x was founded in 1948 by Martin Weil when he began manufacturing drum enamels for the drum reconditioning industry.     

In 1960, Stevens Paint acquired Insl-x Products. Martin Weil and his partners believed this was an opportunity to expand their product offering and build on new technologies. Jim Weil purchased Insl-x and Stevens from his father and his partners in 1979 and began developing new products under the name Insl-x Products Corp.

Between 1985 and 2000, the company purchased several northeast paint companies as its business expanded from specialty and industrial products to include architectural coatings, as well. With steady growth and new customers, 1990 brought the opportunity to move its manufacturing facilities from Yonkers, N.Y., to a 23-acre site in Stony Point, N.Y., where it is now headquartered.

In 2000, Insl-x acquired Bruning Paints of Baltimore, which included Kyanize brand paints and a 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. Insl-x added Coronado Paint, along with Maxum Wood Stains, in 2004, which brought it a 190,000-square-foot facility on 16 acres in Edgewater, Fla., and distribution facilities in Illinois and Texas.

Lenmar Wood Coatings was also acquired in 2004 and Insl-x added Trinity Coatings in 2006.  Both are nationally known brands of fine wood finishes for the OEM and professional wood markets. In 2006, a strategic alliance was formed with Invista Corp., which owns Stainmaster. The brand was then launched as paint, and Insl-x began producing and distributing Stainmaster Paint in fall 2006.

Large Breadth
The company today markets products under six brands that serve all major paint and coatings markets. It covers multiple distributions channels through its manufacturing facilities in Stony Point; Clearwater, Fla.; Baltimore; and Mineral Wells, Texas.

“With over 400,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse distribution, Insl-x is well-equipped to continue leading the way in today’s competitive paint market,” the company says. “Dedication to customer service is reflected not only in the breadth and quality of the company’s product line, but also in the way Insl-x treats its customers.

“Insl-x employees go the extra distance every day, offering a full range of technical and administrative assistance to support the company’s complete line of quality products.”

Insl-x distributes its products throughout the United States and in numerous international markets. Its product lines include coatings, paint, stains and wood finishes.

Greener Formulas
Insl-x has also moved into green and low-VOC products. Insl-x offers a trade sale product line that includes air care products and odorless wall paints, and will unveil a line for contractor use. Insl-x has moved into low-VOC products in response to government regulations. This involves replacing original formulas with new, greener ones.

“What it really comes down to is formulation changes,” Weil says. “The cost really isn’t a tremendous difference. We’re more concerned from a performance standpoint. We don’t want to make green products that do not perform to our quality standards.” 

In 1993, Insl-x won the National Paint and Coatings Association Pollution Prevention Award in recognition of its commitment to the environment.

Recent Sale
In December 2007, Benjamin Moore & Co. announced the acquisition of select assets and Insl-x brands.
According to Denis Abrams, president and CEO of Benjamin Moore, the acquisition is a strategic move that provides Benjamin Moore with several strong brands and a breadth of coatings products.

 “Insl-x carries a strong reputation for delivering a wide range of premium products and for superior customer service,” Abrams said in a statement. “This acquisition allows Benjamin Moore to expand its overall product portfolio assuring that our customers remain strong and profitable.

“We are pleased that the Insl-x company will continue to operate under the guidance of its president, Jim Weil, whose father founded the company,” he added. “This acquisition yet again underscores Benjamin Moore’s ongoing commitment to its customers.

“Ensuring the continuation of outstanding service to Insl-x loyal customers is a top priority for Benjamin Moore. Consequently, moving forward the Insl-x service team and Insl-x product offerings will remain intact.”

Abrams also announced the Insl-x management team and the company’s employees will retain their current positions. Manufacturing and distribution of all of Insl-x products will continue at their current locations, as well.

Benjamin Moore was founded in 1883 and is now a Berkshire Hathaway company. It says it is one of the country’s leading manufacturers of premium residential, commercial and industrial maintenance coatings. Benjamin Moore manufactures its products at six locations in the U.S. and Canada.