More Than Just Paint: Four Generations of Innovation at ZRC Worldwide

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.

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.

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!)

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, cementing 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.

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. Stay tuned for more updates on our sustainability initiatives and the exciting future of ZRC Worldwide!