Success drives innovation

R-M was started in Detroit, US, more than 100 years ago, and it continues to play a key role in shaping the development of the automotive industry. Innovative, easy-to-use solutions and high color competence – lead to increased productivity and customers business success worldwide.
history
About R-M Paint
1919
1919 RM

1919 - Detroit - USA


The company’s founder, Herbert Mason, joins forces with Fred Rinshed to form the Rinshed-Mason Company, which soon became the largest paint supplier to the growing automotive industry.
1926 RM 02.jpg

1926 - First customers


Cadillac, the world-famous prestige car manufacturer and first choice of US presidents, orders the first batch of material.
1929
1929

1929 - Miami - Florida


R-M pioneers paint durability testing and creates the industry’s first paint exposure test site in Florida.
1931

1931 - Color trends


R-M launches the first metallic finish for cars.
1948
1948

1948 - Paint optimization


R-M revolutionizes the market by introducing the Tintometer and the first mixing base system.
1960

1960's - R-M in space


R-M provides one of the first Space missions with the “heat-resistant black lacquer”.
1963
1963

1963 - Expansion to Europe


R-M Automotive Refinish establishes its research, development and manufacturing facility in Europe, near Paris.
1981
1981

1981 - R-M products continues to grow


A new world innovation: the DIAMONT basecoat line is launched in Clermont.
1995
1995

1995 - Leading color identification


Colormaster, the world’s leading color identification tool is launched and revolutionizes color matching in the industry.
1996
1996

1996 - Digitalization


R-M is the first to launch a website in the automotive refinish industry to put all of its color formulas online, making it easy for painters to find the details they need with ease.
2000

2000 - Advanced Business Services


R-M’s innovative service package, specially developed for managers, is launched to help bodyshops increase their productivity and sales. It was initially called Programs For Success.
2009
2009

2009 - Digital color identification


Colortronic 2 is launched. It's the second generation of R-M’s color measuring devices that helps bodyshops to identify the matching color and select the right formula faster.
2011
2013

2013 - Best training facilities in Europe


The R-M International Refinish Competence Center becomes one of the most modern training facilities in Europe.
2014
Color & Designs

2014 - Colors & Design


Colors & Design by R-M is launched, an initiative to present latest color trends, product innovation and applications with an OEM car manufacturer.
2018
2018

2018 - e'Sense launches


e’Sense products launched in Europe with BASF’s certified biomass balance approach, helping to reduce CO2 emissions.
2020
2020

2020 - Agilis launches


Substainability has become a mega trend in society. R-M launches AGILIS the global waterborne basecoat line that matches eco-effective high quality products with the lowest VOC-content ever.
2021

2021 - R-M® launches Refinity™


Refinity™, a secure, cloud-based, digital solution platform for its refinish body shop customers all over the world, designed to boost body shop performance and profitability.
test panels

Colors & Design


R-M is the preferred partner for those who value strong color competence with dynamic, highly-productive business solutions for bodyshops.
BPC

International Best Painter Contest


This is R-M's premium flagship event, designed to develop and nurture young talent on a global stage to ensure the sustainable future of skills in the refinish coatings industry.
support

Driving Digitalization


R-M's Global Automotive team is working closely together with consultancy services to support and transform our customers' success.
Technical team

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