History
It is in the fertile year of 1895 that the Swiss entrepreneur MAXMEYER® founded in Milan the Colorifico Italiano which will become MaxMeyer coatings factory. At that time the Swiss, French, Germans and Austro-Hungarians living in Milan were particularly active in industry and commerce.
The factory was medium-sized with about 50 employees, based in an area of prolific industrial and artisanal production throughout the nineteenth century. In these years, paints in powder and dispersed in linseed oil began to build up their importance.
Within few years, established horse-drawn carriage makers turned their traditional artisan inventiveness and refined techniques to the motor car. The MaxMeyer coatings factory took part of this great adventure; during the 1930 through to the 1980's Max Meyer worked hand in hand with the Italian automotive industry. Fiat and Alfa were leading the world in the design of luxury models and sport cars. MaxMeyer coatings supported the industry by developing customised products and finishes from fine enamels to baked enamels that delivered durability and colour.
During the WWII, the repeated bombings damaged the factory so the production was transferred toVia Comasina, the actual site in Milan. The plant was built according to the most modern criteria and equipped with new technologically advanced machinery: Max Meyer was born again in a more developed form, becoming a true chemical industry relying on high technology. It conquered a leading place on the Italian market, also expanding internationally.
From the mid-fifties, MaxMeyer coatings was present in the motor car and steel rapidly expanding industries with its nitrocellulose paints specifically produced for bodywork.
At the beginning of the eighties, MaxMeyer coatings acquired its biggest competitor in Italy, DUCO and gave life to Max Meyer Duco S.p.A , renown for its comprehensive range of products that met the requirements of quality and simplicity of use. Through years of research and practical application MaxMeyer coatings has accumulated valuable professional know-how at the service of its customers.
Over the last
century, MaxMeyer coatings has become a
major international refinish industry, keeping true to its original
philosophy: to improve the business for its customers, making
painter´s life easier by delivering high performance products that
are easy to use.
For the future, MaxMeyer products remain
the industry benchmark for offering excellent results in a simple
and effective way.
In 1997, PPG Industries completed the acquisition of MaxMeyer Duco S.p.A, reinforcing PPG's position as a leading European supplier of automotive coatings.