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 automotive industry. Innovative, easy-to-use solutions and high colour competence – lead to increased productivity and customers business success worldwide.
history

About R-M Paint

1919

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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

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1926 - First customers

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

1929

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1929 - Miami - Florida

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

1931

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1931 - Colour trends

R-M launches the first metallic finish for cars.

1948

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1948 - Paint optimization

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

1960's

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1960's - R-M in space

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

1963

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1963 - Expansion to Europe

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

1970

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1970 - Innovation continues

R-M produces the first waterborne OEM paints.

1981

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1981 - R-M products continues to grow

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

1990

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1990 - Modern training facility opens

Creation of the Refinish Competence Center in Clermont: one of the most modern training centers in Europe.

1995

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1995 - Leading colour identification

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

1996

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1996 - Digitalisation

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

2000

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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

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2009 - Digital colour identification

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

2010

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2010 - 10th Best Painter Contest

The 10th International R-M Best Painter Contest takes part in France (Clermont de l’Oise).

2011

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2011 - Customer networks

R-M Premium Partners launch in Europe.

2013

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2013 - Best training facilities in Europe

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

2014

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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

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2015 - R-M, brand of BASF

R-M is confirmed as the caring business partner worldwide, A brand of BASF - We create chemistry. In this year, R-M’s next generation of clearcoats is launched.

2018

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2018 - Digital colour identification

Colortronic 12/6 Perfect colour matching is launched. Customers create perfect results thanks to R-M’s unique colour database.

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2018 - e'Sense launches

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

2019

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2019 - 100 years anniversary

R-M, premium paint brand of BASF, celebrates one hundred years in business.

2020

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Colours & Design

R-M is the preferred partner for those who value strong colour 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 Digitalisation

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

Technical team

Team up with R-M and accelerate your business success

AgilisXSauber

Connect with your local R-M dealer now