Propelling RPM forward is the company’s two-pronged growth strategy, which includes the acquisition of complementary businesses and the implementation of internal growth initiatives.

RPM has long been recognized as a leading industry consolidator. Its value proposition is particularly appealing to owner-entrepreneurs who, upon joining RPM, maintain the autonomy to run their businesses with their existing management team in a decentralized operating structure. Additionally, they gain access to RPM’s vast operational and financial resources that can help them accelerate their growth. As a testament to this strategy, more than one-third of RPM’s operating companies today are managed by their founders or second- or third-generation family members.

Equally important are the internal initiatives that drive RPM’s growth. Its operating units are continuously developing new products and services, capturing market share from their competitors, creating new markets by addressing previously unmet demand and expanding into new geographies. In addition, they are seizing on global macroeconomic trends that present significant growth opportunities, such as maintenance needs, sustainable building, energy demand, and aging infrastructure.

left    Aiming to improve building design, construction and materials performance, Tremco’s Commercial Sealants & Waterproofing Division launched a state-of-the-art test facility. It conducts controlled testing of air barrier systems and building enclosures to gauge their resistance to wind, air and moisture infiltration, and other environmental conditions. Tremco is the only building materials manufacturer known to have such a technically advanced facility.

right    Since the 2007 acquisition of UK-based Tor Coatings, Rust-Oleum has built a new 40,000-square-foot high-speed aerosol filling line at Tor’s Birtley facility and partnered with British home improvement personality Sarah Beeny to introduce the Rust-Oleum brand to the UK. It has quickly captured market share and recently replaced a major competitor at B&Q, the largest home improvement retailer in the UK and Europe.

left   Always innovating, Rust-Oleum’s new Countertop and Cabinet Transformations kits have quickly become a hit with consumers. They allow do-it-yourselfers to give their kitchens a fresh, up-to-date look at a fraction of the time and expense of a traditional remodel. Cabinet Transformations are available in 70 different color combinations, while Countertop Transformations can replicate the look of today’s most sought-after countertop materials, like natural stone.

right   Like it has successfully done with other products, Rust-Oleum is leveraging the strong equity in its brand name by applying it to Rust-Oleum Wood Care, a line of stains, varnishes, polyurethanes and other wood coatings for interior or exterior applications.

left   Liquid Elements is Stonhard’s new division that provides artfully poured floors to high-end retail establishments, hotels, restaurants and showrooms. Liquid Elements Smooth floor, shown here in Berlin Night, is a contemporary offering that can enhance the showroom floors of auto dealerships.

right    Demonstrating RPM’s reputation as the industry’s “best home for entrepreneurial businesses” is FibreGrid Limited Since its acquisition and integration into RPM’s Watco UK business last fiscal year, the family-run safety products supplier has grown significantly. Here, its anti-slip products are being installed on residence hall stairs and landing areas at the University of Surrey.