## # 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](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__808x606/public/2023-03/AN_30_hd.jpg.webp?itok=UbUxvp-h) About R-M Paint ![Hiding power ONYX](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_34__670x893/public/2023-03/Rmpaint.jpg.webp?itok=FqScMW6Z) R-M is highly productive Not only are R-M products specially formulated to help bodyshops drive productivity, they're backed by leading services such as management training for bodyshop managers. ![Colotronic](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_34__670x893/public/2023-03/carreColoridentification_Colotronic126_RM.jpg.webp?itok=Kn8400Hv) R-M offers easy-to-use solutions R-M delivers on its easy-to-use commitment by offering comprehensive training on how to apply, and maximize the use of, all its products. ![Services](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_34__670x893/public/2022-12/Amanda%20%26%20Jack.jpg.webp?itok=SLTx7x8b) Leading support from expert teams Our professional sales team and technical support team are always available to answer your questions. Added to this, R-M shares all its expertise directly with bodyshops through training and other services. ![OEM digital solutions](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_34__670x893/public/2023-03/6_0.jpg.webp?itok=dyrZMySF) Top OEM partner to global brands As a top OEM partner to global brands, R-M has established itself as a pioneer in the industry, consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation, particularly in color matching. Our unwavering commitment to this mindset drives us to create cutting-edge products and solutions that enable bodyshop teams to perform at their best, delivering superior results with speed and efficiency. 1919 ![1919 (1).jpg](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2832%29.jpg.webp?itok=ogIIYSco) 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 ![1926 (2).jpg](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2854%29.jpg.webp?itok=HKGT1ay4) 1926 - First customers Cadillac, the world-famous prestige car manufacturer and first choice of US presidents, orders the first batch of material. 1929 ![1929_Miami (1).jpg](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2834%29.jpg.webp?itok=on6qwMOj) 1929 - Miami - Florida R-M pioneers paint durability testing and creates the industry’s first paint exposure test site in Florida. 1931 ![1931_NorthAmerica (1).jpg](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2835%29.jpg.webp?itok=8xlwibX2) 1931 - Color trends R-M launches the first metallic finish for cars. 1948 ![1948_Tintometer (1).jpg](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2836%29.jpg.webp?itok=s7ZVZpRv) 1948 - Paint optimization R-M revolutionizes the market by introducing the Tintometer and the first mixing base system. 1960's ![1960 (1).jpg](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2837%29.jpg.webp?itok=PIANTUZb) 1960's - R-M in space R-M provides one of the first Space missions with the “heat-resistant black lacquer”. 1963 ![1963 (1).jpg](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2838%29.jpg.webp?itok=2RXqbghS) 1963 - Expansion to Europe R-M Automotive Refinish establishes its research, development and manufacturing facility in Europe, near Paris. 1970 ![1970 (1).jpg](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2839%29.jpg.webp?itok=3UGY0Skl) 1970 - Continuous Innovation R-M produces the first water-based paints for auto manufacturers (OEM). 1981 ![1981_r4.png](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2840%29.jpg.webp?itok=gR8XzhjZ) 1981 - R-M products continues to grow A new world innovation: the DIAMONT basecoat line is launched in Clermont. 1990 ![1990_r2.png](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2841%29.jpg.webp?itok=jL0sWWjJ) 1990 - Inauguration of a modern training center The Refinish Competence Center in Clermont is born: one of the most modern training centers in Europe. 1995 ![1995_2.png](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2842%29.jpg.webp?itok=bAzBgH37) 1995 - Leading color identification Colormaster, the world’s leading color identification tool is launched and revolutionizes color matching in the industry. 1996 ![1996_1.png](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2843%29.jpg.webp?itok=tTUSs_SK) 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_2.png](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2844%29.jpg.webp?itok=Z6347zGu) 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 ![2018_Colortronic126 (2).png](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2851%29.jpg.webp?itok=Q4rRgvbW) 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. 2010 ![Logo-BPC-2010 (1).png](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2846%29.jpg.webp?itok=7AcdHG-t) 2010 - 10th Best Painter Contest The 10th International R-M Best Painter Contest takes part in France (Clermont de l’Oise). 2011 ![2011 (1).jpg](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2847%29.jpg.webp?itok=ras3RGC_) 2011 - Customer network The R-M Premium Partners program is launched in Europe. 2013 ![2013 (1).jpg](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2848%29.jpg.webp?itok=yrgHagmI) 2013 - Best training facilities in Europe The R-M International Refinish Competence Center becomes one of the most modern training facilities in Europe. 2014 ![Colors trends.jpg](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2852%29.jpg.webp?itok=Cy3MEaam) 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. 2015 ![2015_v2.jpg](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-12/Pitch%20du%2017122025%20SWF%20%285%29.jpg.webp?itok=XV24-xjX) 2015 - R-M, a brand of BASF R-M is confirmed as a global business partner of BASF "A BASF brand - We create chemistry". This year sees the launch of the new generation of R-M lacquers. 2018 ![2018 R-M E-Sense.jpg](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2853%29.jpg.webp?itok=Cqbifbiv) 2018 - e'Sense launches e’Sense products launched in Europe with BASF’s certified biomass balance approach, helping to reduce CO2 emissions. 2019 ![RS2694_logo 100a bkgr white (1).png](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2831%29.jpg.webp?itok=q7gIMIEa) 2019 - 100 years anniversary R-M, premium paint brand of BASF, celebrates one hundred years in business. 2020 ![_MG_0224 (2).png](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2828%29.jpg.webp?itok=QJMyphMS) 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 ![Refinity Launch (1).jpg](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2830%29.jpg.webp?itok=Bl8knz5f) 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. 2023 ![Design sans titre (31).png](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-09/Design%20sans%20titre%20%2831%29.png.webp?itok=_463SpFJ) 2023 - R-M® becomes technical paint supplier to Sauber Group’s F1 team R-M wins over competition with AGILIS® - reducing overall weight paint on the C43 racing car by 50%. 2024 ![R-M_PIONEER_Low_Bake_Clear_Coat_C_2P42_SoMe_Post_Image_1080x1080px_EN_INT (3).jpg](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2823%29.jpg.webp?itok=piZ9hw2h) 2024 – First Clear coat with Ccycled® certification R-M unveils its most advanced fast-drying clear coat in its PIONEER Series: RACE Finish-R e’Sense with Ccycled® certification and delivering an exceptional drying performance. 2025 ![Fast products (2).jpg](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__530x864/public/2025-10/Eva%20%2827%29.jpg.webp?itok=mkPZlmUB) 2025 – Fastest Series R-M AGILIS completes the sustainable application process with its latest Ccycled®-certified e’Sense RACE Wet-Fill-R and Finish-R Pioneer Series. These innovative solutions support the circular economy by minimizing waste and reducing CO₂ emissions, while simultaneously enhancing process efficiency for our customers. ![test panels](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__531x398/public/2023-04/IMG_5036%20labo%20color.jpg.webp?itok=0xA2pO60) Colors & Design R-M is the preferred partner for those who value strong color competence with dynamic, highly-productive business solutions for bodyshops. ![BPC](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__531x398/public/2023-04/2I4A2744.JPG.webp?itok=shAfoM4M "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 ](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__531x398/public/2023-03/Still1012_00009.png.webp?itok=micK31ux) Driving Digitalization R-M's Global Automotive team is working closely together with consultancy services to support and transform our customers' success. ![Technical team](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__806x606/public/2023-03/Jury_RM_BPC2022.jpg.webp?itok=7P-1T0lV) Team up with R-M and accelerate your business success [Let's talk ](/en-int/lets-talk "Let's talk") ![AgilisXSauber](https://www.rmpaint.com/data/sites/rm/files/styles/ars__ratio_43__806x606/public/2023-03/2023%20Pre-Season%20Testing%20-%20Bahrain%20-%20Day%203.jpg.webp?itok=bYmVyg8v) Connect with your local R-M dealer now [Find dealers near you ](/en-int/dealers "Find dealers near you")