November 13, 2025
For more than four generations, ZRC Worldwide has been a trusted name in corrosion protection coatings, proudly family owned and operated since the beginning. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and integrity has guided every product we make, helping industries around the world protect their metal assets and extend the life of their equipment.
Key Points
- Our History in The Corrosion Protection Coatings Industry
- The Development of Zinc-Rich Corrosion Protection Coatings
- What Makes ZRC so Special?
- Shop Corrosion Protection Coatings Directly Through Our Website
Our History in The Corrosion Protection Coatings Industry
From humble beginnings as a Quincy, MA house paint manufacturer in 1908 to becoming a global leader in high-performance industrial coatings, ZRC Worldwide isn't just about paint; it's about a legacy of innovation, resilience, and a forward-thinking commitment to the future. For over a century and through four generations of the Felton-Steele family, ZRC has not only weathered change but continually led the way in evolving with it.
When Was ZRC Started?
Our story begins with George Felton Sr., who launched a house paint business in the greater Boston area. He constructed what was, at the time, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the industrial heart of Quincy. His original vision was to serve local homeowners, and the company—originally known as Norfolk Paint—grew steadily, expanding into various home paints and floor coatings, sold through factory-owned stores across the Boston area.
This early success laid the groundwork for future growth, including the strategic acquisition of Oliver Johnson Paint in Rhode Island, extending our footprint throughout New England.
ZRC Throughout the Years
The 1960s marked a pivotal shift in ZRC’s trajectory under George Felton Jr. Recognizing the potential of the emerging industrial market, he made the bold decision to exit the consumer space and focus entirely on industrial applications. This shift led to the development of a wide array of high-performance products: epoxy fillers, industrial-grade topcoats, protective galvanizing compounds, and high-heat resistant paints.
Through strategic acquisitions, ZRC expanded beyond its regional base, becoming a pioneering force in the national industrial coatings space. At a time when few truly national paint companies existed, ZRC built a significant presence both nationally and internationally. (We still laugh at old stories—and photos—of ZRC cans being transported by animals in places like Bangladesh!)
The Development of Zinc-Rich Corrosion Protection Coatings
This dedication to industrial excellence led to a defining moment: the development of Zinc-Rich Coatings. Through years of R&D, This dedication to industrial excellence led to a defining moment: the development of Zinc-Rich Coatings. Through years of R&D, ZRC created a product line that set the standard for corrosion protection. Recognizing the niche but highly specialized market with few strong competitors, ZRC made the strategic decision to focus almost exclusively on zinc coatings. This led to the company's rebranding in the late 1960s and 70s as ZRC. Doing so cemented our reputation as the global leader in zinc-rich compounds. Remarkably, through all this growth, our headquarters and original facilities have remained right here in Quincy, a powerful connection to our roots since 1908.
In 1988, Matt Steele took the reins from George Jr. and ushered in an era of modernization. He led the construction of a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in the late 1990s and introduced advanced enterprise systems that dramatically improved operational efficiency. Matt also modernized our marketing, developed new zinc-rich product lines, and expanded ZRC’s reach into new markets, all while maintaining our core values and commitment to quality.
ZRC in 2025 and Beyond
Today, Sam Steele represents the fourth generation of leadership, with a strong focus on the future. Sustainability and environmental responsibility are at the forefront, as ZRC evolves its product line and manufacturing processes to be as eco-friendly as possible. Sam’s vision is to ensure ZRC remains a leader in industrial coatings while meeting the demands of a changing world and a healthier planet.
From a local house paint company to an international provider of cutting-edge protective coatings, ZRC Worldwide’s journey is a testament to vision, adaptability, and a relentless drive for excellence. We are proud of our legacy, rooted in Massachusetts, and excited about what’s ahead.
What Makes ZRC so Special?
What makes ZRC so special isn’t just what’s inside the can. It’s the legacy, science, and dedication behind every batch we produce. For more than 70 years, ZRC Worldwide has remained a family-owned and operated company committed to one mission: delivering the most effective corrosion protection coatings in the industry.
Our zinc-rich corrosion protection formulas aren’t just products; they’re the result of decades of innovation, rigorous testing, and real-world performance.
Our Formula
ZRC pioneered the concept of cold galvanizing long before it became an industry standard. Our products provide the same galvanic protection as hot-dip galvanizing, and we do so without the high cost, downtime, or complexity. That means you can achieve durable, long-lasting protection for steel structures right out of the can, wherever corrosion is a concern. From bridges and power plants to communication towers and offshore rigs, ZRC coatings have proven their strength in some of the toughest environments on Earth.
Our People
What truly sets ZRC apart is our people. As a multi-generational, family-run business, we treat our customers like partners. We take pride in offering not just a superior product, but the knowledge and support needed to use it correctly. Whether it’s through our Certified Applicator Program, detailed technical resources, or responsive customer service, we’re committed to helping every project succeed.
At ZRC, we combine old-fashioned craftsmanship with modern innovation. Each formula is engineered for maximum performance, ensuring our coatings stand the test of time, just like the company behind them.
Shop Corrosion Protection Coatings Directly Through Our Website
When you choose ZRC, you’re choosing a proven, family-driven legacy of protection, reliability, and trust.
When it comes to proven performance, few names in the industry stand the test of time like ZRC. Our corrosion protection coatings are trusted by professionals across industries who demand reliability, longevity, and true galvanic protection. Whether you’re maintaining critical infrastructure, restoring equipment, or preventing costly rust damage before it starts, ZRC delivers unmatched results backed by four generations of expertise.
Ready to experience the difference for yourself? Shop corrosion protection products directly through our website and see why ZRC has been the trusted choice for lasting protection for over 70 years.
