Plasticolors, Inc. was founded in 1970 by Bey Blanchard with a vision to produce the highest quality, most technically advanced, pigment dispersions for the FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Polyester) market. Production started in a small metal building on State Road in Ashtabula, Ohio. The company quickly outgrew the original location, and in 1972 Plasticolors moved to a larger site on Middle Road in Ashtabula.
In 1984 the first portion of the current Michigan Avenue facility was constructed to house corporate management, sales, technical service, laboratory, and blending operations. A major expansion of the new building was completed in 1989 and all operations were consolidated at that time. In 1996 the company built a 60,000 square foot addition to accommodate its rapid growth. Today, the facility is more than 166,000 square feet.
Milestones in the history of Plasticolors:
- 1970 Plasticolors founded by Bey Blanchard
- 1972 Operation moved to Middle Road in Ashtabula, Ohio
- 1984 Michigan Avenue facility constructed
- 1988 Employee Stock Ownership Plan implemented
- 1989 Addition made to Michigan Avenue facility and closure of Middle Road plant
- 1992 Started Thermoplastic Specialty Products Division is unveiled
- 2000 Acquired RBH Dispersion’s non-solvent based products
- 2000 Sold Thermoplastic Specialty Products Division to Lancer Dispersions
- 2003 Acquired Modifier M, E, & L inhibitor products from Ashland Specialty
Chemical Company
- 2004 Acquired Spartan Color and the Spartacryl PM line of acrylic based universal
colorants in PM Acetate
- 2007 Acquired UCD Colorant Business.
Plasticolors has positioned itself as industry leader by supplying superior custom color and chemical dispersions as well as providing outstanding service and technology to global customers. Bey Blanchard’s vision, which is an ethic of hard work and dedication, lives on today through the employees who have taken ownership of the company.