Company History
 Benjamin Moore began his business venture in 1883, manufacturing a coating for
walls called Calsom Finish, with his older brother, Robert M. Moore, in a
small building in Brooklyn , New York . A profit was made on operations in
that first year and growth of the business came quickly.
In his earliest years as founder of the Company, Benjamin Moore articulated
a personal philosophy that became the company’s first credo. He believed
the company should pursue "The application of Intelligence to Industry
based upon Integrity." The three key words of that statement, Intelligence,
Industry, and Integrity, were soon adopted as the three core values of the
organization. These values are also known today as Leadership, Innovation
and Performance, as stated in our Internal Vision. This philosophy continues
to serve as the guiding principle behind Company policy.
In 1892, Benjamin Moore refined the process he originally developed
for his Calsom Finish and introduced a new product called MURESCO – a wall and
ceiling finish unique for its time. So popular was MURESCO that it became a
household name and has found a place in Webster’s Standard Dictionary.
Over the years, there followed a number of new and innovative products: SANI-FLAT,
a lead free, decorative, flat finish that could withstand frequent washings.
Then came UTILAC, quick drying enamel that became a popular replacement for
the volatile lacquers of the period.
In Canada
On September 7, 1906 the Canadian company was incorporated. Benjamin
Moore was elected president at the first shareholders meeting held
on September 11, 1906 . In 1911 Fred Moore, Benjamin’s half brother, became Treasurer
and managing director of the Canadian subsidiary. He later became the first
Canadian residing president in 1937. This laid the groundwork for what is now
Benjamin Moore & Co., Limited. The company was first established in the
City of Toronto followed by offices/warehouses in Montreal . Halifax , Winnipeg
, Regina , Saskatoon and Vancouver in the ‘20s.
In the year 2000, the North American Company reorganized manufacturing.
The Burlington , Ontario manufacturing facility (formerly Technical
Coatings Co. Limited) was expanded to centralize all solvent-based
production and the Montreal facility also expanded and became an
all-latex facility.
With rapidly changing economic times we remain focused on our vision
and our strategy of Supporting and Strengthening the Independent
Retail Channel and Protecting, Enhancing and Leveraging the Benjamin
Moore Brand. In support of this strategy the company has introduced
exciting programs like the Signature Store Program (Bergsma’s Home Decor is a Signature Store),
The Strategic Training Triad for the Retailer, and The Painting & Decorating
Services Initiative. With the success of these programs the Company remains
competitive and progressive in today’s marketplace as The Colour Experts – a
claim that traces to Betty Moore, (our first spokesperson), in the 1950s, the
introduction of Moor-O-Matic custom colours in the 1960s, and Moore’s
Colour Matching System in the 1970s, a world first!
Finally, we are proud that this year, Benjamin Moore has been recognized
as Canada 's most trusted brand of paint.
This recognition was received as part of an independent research and public
opinion poll conducted by Readers Digest and Ipsos-Reid Canada ,
one of North America 's leading independent
research and public opinion firms.
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