BEHR's 75th Anniversary (EN-US)

In 2022, Behr Paint Company celebrated its 75th year in business. Scroll below to explore the milestone insights and activities that took place to commemorate the moment.

Celebrating Culture

From humble beginnings of wood stain batches being made from a family garage, to becoming an industry-leading coatings and applicator manufacturer, we wouldn’t be where we are today without the passionate and colorful personalities of our people.

It’s our collective commitment to uphold our company core values of integrity, creativity, passion, leadership, inclusion and teamwork, and build on the legacy to make life more colorful.

Supporting Communities

Doing the right thing is part of our DNA. Through grants, group volunteer events, in-kind product donations, and partnerships with non-profit organizations, supporting communities we both live and work is an ongoing effort.

During this anniversary year, we will contribute in meaningful ways that honors our history, embraces the delight of a fresh coat of paint and enriches the environment.

Serving Color Seekers

From professional painters to DIYers, we are grateful that you’ve invited us into your homes and projects throughout the years. Our promise remains to transform your inspiration into a reality.

As a valued consumer and partner, you are essential to our success. We share this milestone year with you, and to show our appreciation, we’ve planned moments of celebration for you throughout the year.

Scroll to see 75 years of rich history filled with product innovation, geographical expansion and invested partnerships.

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1947

Otho Behr Jr. and his chemist father founded Linseed Oil Products Company from their family garage.

1948

The company relocates from the family garage to an 800-square-foot Quonset hut in Pasadena, California.

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1956

A land purchase in Orange County, California resulted in the company’s first corporate, manufacturing and distribution facility.

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1960s

Behr developed the first oil/water combination product and successfully launched a series of interior and exterior stains and clear coating products.

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1979

Partnership with The Home Depot begins.

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1984

Behr named The Home Depot Partner of the Year for the first time.

1986

Behr enters the paint category, introduces BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® Interior Paint. Behr Canada becomes the company’s first facility outside of the United States. 

Behr introduces color matching technology at retail, an industry first.

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1994

Partnership with The Home Depot Canada begins.

1999

Public company, Masco, acquires Behr, marking the end of Behr’s 52 year run as a private company.

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2000

Masco acquires Masterchem Industries Inc., the maker of the KILZ® brand.

2003

Behr introduces the Color Solutions Center in The Home Depot stores in the U.S. and Canada. 

KILZ® brand enters the paint category with the introduction of KILZ® CASUAL COLORS at Walmart.

2006

Behr opens a Research and Development center in Pune, India.

2008

The U.S. Pro Paint segment becomes a strategic priority.

2009

Behr enters Mexico and Chile and begins distribution in Latin America.

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2011

COLORSMART BY BEHR® mobile application is released.

2013

BEHR MARQUEE® paint line launches.

2016

Behr PRO® Paint Line launches. 

MAGNOLIA HOME by JOANNA GAINES® paint line launches.

2019

Behr launches eCommerce initiative, BEHR® EXPRESS. 

Behr launches the first all plastic, 100% recyclable container with Simple Pour lid.

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2020

Behr re-enters the interior wood stain category with launch of BEHR PREMIUM™ Interior Wood Stains. 

Behr enters the aerosol category with launch of BEHR® PREMIUM™ Spray Paint. 

Behr enters the paint applicator business via Masco’s acquisition Work Tools International and its brands, WHIZZ® and Elder and Jenks®.

2021

BEHR DYNASTY® Interior Paint line launches. 

Behr enters the caulks & sealants category.

2023

BEHR DYNASTY® Exterior Paint launches across the U.S.