1785
Our Roots in Metal Finishing
W. Canning & Co in Birmingham is founded. The chemistry pioneered by Canning would evolve, eventually becoming part of our Industrial Solutions business.
1846
An Image to Preserve
Sir Joseph Swan’s discovery of carbon photographic prints led to Autotype of Brixton UK. Patterning of specialty films remains a strength in our Graphics and Industrial businesses.
1872
Proving Our Metal
Our Assembly Solutions expertise dates to metal smelter I. Shonberg Inc, which became Alpha Metals during the late 19th century.
1922
The Scottish Connection
A young Scottish immigrant by the name of Archie J. MacDermid starts a small metal finishing business in Waterbury, Connecticut.
1930
Started in a Garage
An auto-body shop owner, a chemist, and a lacquer salesman form Enthone in a small garage in New Haven, Connecticut. The chemistry is integral to our Semiconductor, Circuitry, and Industrial business.
1945
Printing Rolls Along
The origins of our Graphics Solutions business begin with production of Textile Blankets in Adams, Massachusetts. Image transfer continues as a core competency.
1950s
The Electronics Revolution
Our expertise in metal deposition, image transfer, surface chemistry, and soldering form the basis for our Electronics Solutions business, as the world moves toward printed circuit boards.
1970s
Global Expansion
Our Assembly, Industrial and Electronics businesses set up direct facilities as new manufacturing and service sites throughout Europe and Asia.
1988
Fueling Growth
Isaac Bentley & Co. join the offshore fluids industry, serving petroleum exploration and production. The group evolved into our Offshore Solutions business.
1999
Coming Together
Various disciplines of metal finishing expertise are brought together during 1998-99 with the integration of Canning, Ytema, Galvanevet, and MacDermid.
2002
The Right Image
As image technology evolves, technology from WR Grace, Hercules, and Polyfibron merge with MacDermid to serve Industrial, Electronics, and today’s Graphics Solutions business.
2002-13
Certified Organic
An era of strong organic growth around the world in various industries, including flat top dot printing, chrome-free metal finishing, and lead-free soldering alloys.
2013
Go To Market
With MacDermid as its first acquisition, Platform Specialty Products is created and lists on the New York Stock Exchange with the symbol PAH.
2015
Global Vision, Global Reach
Platform acquires the Alent businesses of Enthone and Alpha, plus electronics chemicals assets from OM Group, to form MacDermid Performance Solutions, serving customers with fully global support across multiple industries.
2019
In Our Element
Platform Specialty Products is renamed Element Solutions Inc, merging the MacDermid Performance Solutions businesses under one banner.