Securing Your Journey

Timeline

Timeline

2021

Our 70th Anniversary!

Our 70th Anniversary!

Since 1951, Recochem has been on your side to make your journey as safe as possible, whether you are on the road, at home, at work… Our focus is the journey along the way and not the destination. In this time of uncertainty, we are more than ever committed to deliver the best solutions and brands for our customers, consumers and employees.

2020

KOST USA Joins The Recochem Family Of Companies!

KOST USA Joins The Recochem Family Of Companies!

KOST USA  was founded in 1985 and located in Cincinnati, OH, and is the third largest manufacturer of coolant/antifreeze in the United States. This exciting acquisition provides a platform for Recochem to serve more customers in the U.S.A.

BLUE Network launches with DEF delivery & services

BLUE Network launches with DEF delivery & services

Blue is the new green; coverage and quality are just the beginning. Built to serve fleet managers, Blue Network is a one-stop-shop for the sales, distribution, and delivery of DEF liquids, equipment and support. With pure quality fluids, unsurpassed nationwide capacity, no-hassle deliveries and best-in-class service, we provide a total DEF solution. We’re here to make things easier. The site includes a comprehensive dealer directory. Visit www.BlueNetwork.ca

OEM Antifreeze redesigned with NEW color-coded system!

OEM Antifreeze redesigned with NEW color-coded system!

OEM Antifreeze takes the guesswork out of finding the right product with our online EasyMatch tool. It guarantees you’ll find the right color-coded match in three simple steps. Finding the right antifreeze for your car or truck should be easy, quick and stress-free. Most of all, it should be the right coolant and the best price for your vehicle. Your color match indicates the right formulation for your vehicle, protecting your engine from extreme temperatures, start after start. Trust the experts at OEM. The right match for the right vehicle. Yours.

In Canada, available exclusively at Candian tire www.OEMAntifreeze.ca.
For export to USA and globally at www.OEMAntifreeze.com

Coolant University created with 10-part educations video series

Coolant University created with 10-part educations video series

Coolant University is a new video series sponsored by Recochem that helps you become a coolant solutions expert! From basics to formulation to global manufacturing, CoolantU is your guide to selection, technologies, and best practices. The educational video series is on a new website www.CoolantUniversity.com, providing easy access to the entire curriculum. Best of all, Coolant University is FREE.

HD Expert brand launches for heavy-duty engine coolant

HD Expert brand launches for heavy-duty engine coolant

HD Expert is created to serve the unique demands of the heavy-duty vehicle marketplace. With a complete lineup of six HD coolant formulations, HD Expert is specially formulated to ensure every type of heavy-duty application stays up and running. Developed by our team of expert engineers, these precise formulas keep engines cool and clean, so they can get the job done. Visit www.HDexpert.com

Auto-Chem Joins Recochem

Auto-Chem Joins Recochem

Recochem Inc. is pleased to announce the acquisition of Auto-Chem.

Auto-Chem is a leading Canadian supplier of Car Care products— with a high-quality selection of extremely efficient cleaning, protection, and specialty products for the exterior and interior surfaces of Cars, Trucks, RVs and Boats. Founded in 1988, Auto-Chem will maintain their office and production facility in Repentigny, Québec. The Technical and R&D team at Auto-Chem will now be augmented by Recochem’s Technology Centre in Edmonton to accelerate innovation into new products and offerings. For more information on Auto-Chem products, visit www.autochem.com.

Adam’s Polishes Joins Recochem

Adam’s Polishes Joins Recochem

Adam’s Polishes is acquired by Recochem.

Adam’s Polishes is a leading innovative formulator, blender and marketer of outstanding quality, specialty car care products. The company produces a wide-range of products from car shampoos, cleaners and protectors to polishes and ceramic coatings – for the exterior and interior surfaces of Cars, Trucks, RVs and Boats. Adam’s Polishes will operate as a subsidiary of Recochem and represents our first operation in the US. We will be working together to identify opportunities that can help us drive additional sales – globally. For more information on Adam’s products, please visit: www.adamspolishes.com

2017

EXPANDING INTO BULK DISTRIBUTION IN CANADA!

EXPANDING INTO BULK DISTRIBUTION IN CANADA!

Recochem acquires industry leader UltraClear Bulk Fluids.

Ultraclear is the leading National Blender/Distributor of bulk Windshield Wash and Coolant to automotive and trucking fleets, dealerships and service centers in Canada. With a fleet of 52 trucks and a strong staff of drivers, equipment installers and head-office staff in Markham, Ontario, Ultraclear sells into channels that complement those called upon by Recochem.

2016

Recochem celebrates 65 years

Recochem celebrates 65 years

Recochem celebrates 65 years of continued growth and success worldwide!

2015

DEF market leader

DEF market leader

Recochem strengthens position as DEF market leader

The Americas Division acquires all DEF related assets and the H2Blu brand from Wakefield Canada. The additions are integrated with the national DEF Blue Network Program to solidify Recochem’s position in this segment.

2014

Laurentide Automotive Products

Laurentide Automotive Products

Recochem acquires Laurentide Automotive Products

With the addition of Laurentide – a supplier with strong national distribution in the automotive aftermarket and the grocery & club-store channel – Recochem is able to enter new market segments, improve its sourcing and logistics, and gain access to new products and brands throughout Canada.

Recochem makes a splash online

The company launches a newly designed website that is mobile responsive and operates easily across all platforms. The AutoRAD Guide – a coolant selector by vehicle, make & model – is developed as a web application to promote OEM coolants in the U.S. market.

2013

Recochem expands its coolant offerings in Asia

Recochem expands its coolant offerings in Asia

The company and Tianjin Changlu Salt Industry Co. Ltd form a Joint Venture company in China – Recochem Engine Coolants (Tianjin) Company Ltd. that helps us establish a position as technical leader in blending and selling Antifreeze and related products in this growing market.

Recochem expands its line of branded products

Our business expands across North America by manufacturing well known brands such as Liquid Plumr® septic treatments and RV plumbing antifreeze (Canada & USA); Prestone® Performance Chemicals (Canada); Armor AllTM Wood Preservatives and BBQ Cleaners (Canada); OEM® Antifreeze/Coolants.

2012

Recochem launches RECO-COOL brand in Australia / Asia

Recochem launches RECO-COOL brand in Australia / Asia
With a network of “Macro-Distributors” set up in Asia and the Middle East, Recochem can store inventory and build local sales forces to effectively promote Reco-Cool as the premium coolant brand in the market.
Recochem adopts new redistillation process at Napierville In an effort to make product from renewable sources, the Napierville facility develops a new process for re-distilled ethylene glycol (REG) from recycled used antifreeze/coolant, to produce high purity glycol for coolants.
2011

Recochem founder posthumously inducted into Industry Hall of Fame

Recochem founder posthumously inducted into Industry Hall of Fame

Joseph Kuchar is inducted into the 2011 CHHMA (Canadian Hardware & Housewares Manufacturers Association) Industry Hall of Fame for his many contributions with the products and services that Recochem provided to this industry over the past 60 years.

Recochem celebrates 60 years of continued success.

2010

Recochem opens new facility in Ontario

Recochem opens new facility in Ontario

The Ontario Consumer Division moves to a new facility in Milton. Super concentrate coolants are produced and delivered to the U.S. and South America. The product development lab tests and develops household, automotive and paint sundry chemical products to meet our customers’ needs.

Recochem expands into the DEF market

The Consumer Division begins supplying Air1® Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to the Canadian heavy duty diesel engine market, and becomes the leading supplier in this segment.

2007

Recochem coolant sales go global

Recochem coolant sales go global

Coolant sales expand on a global scale to blend and deliver products to South America, Europe, Middle East and Asia in drum and bulk. Recochem strengthens its presence in both India and China. Our worldwide presence grows by developing unique coolant technology with enhanced, cost-effective performance.

2006

Recochem initiates Queensland Blow Molding (QBM)

Recochem initiates Queensland Blow Molding (QBM)

The company initiates Queensland Blow Molding (QBM).

The company initiates its own facility to produce HDPE and PET bottles efficiently and cost-effectively. A strong national distribution network secures Recochem’s ability to reach the entire Australian market.

Recochem acquires Diggers, Australia, a well-established hardware brand is acquired to help Recochem expand its market position in the hardware and paint channels across Australia.

2005

Recochem offers branded products

Recochem offers branded products

Recochem further expands by licensing key consumer brands such as Prestone * Windshield Wash and RV Plumbing Antifreeze in Canada (2005); STP* Antifreeze/Coolant in Canada and the U.S. (2005); and Rain-X* Windshield Wash in Canada (2007).

2004

Recochem logo is updated

Recochem logo is updated

While the revised logo respects the history and equity built of the Recochem brand, it has an updated energy that shows our forward moving, innovative attitude.

1997

Recochem purchases Dow Coolant technology

Recochem purchases Dow Coolant technology

Recochem purchases Dow Chemical’s Coolant Antifreeze technology, which leads to the expansion of the Nisku, Alberta operations with tank farms, a blending facility and laboratory. Our Coolant Lab provides analysis and performance testing, expert product development and technical support worldwide.

1993

Recochem expands in Australia and Belgium.

Recochem expands in Australia and Belgium.

Four more facilities are acquired in Australia at Queensland, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne. There is expansion into trading/import operations from India, China and other South Asian countries. Products include a range of Alpha Olefin Sulphonates and Fatty Alcohols.

Recochem acquires Plant in Belgium.

Luyten S.A. naphthalene refining facility is purchased by Recochem. Based in Marches-les-Dames -near Brussels- this facility produces paradichlorobenzene deodorant blocks, and refined naphthalene used in moth balls; products are exported to global markets including Asia, Middle East, and the Americas. Today, Luyten has further expanded to distribute coolants to Europe and Africa.

1987

Recochem establishes a site in Alberta

Recochem establishes a site in Alberta

The Nisku, Alberta facility opens under the Consumer Division to provide better service to the growing market in central and western Canada, and to support the organization’s expansion into the automotive and heavy-duty diesel markets.

Recochem becomes highly automated. The sophisticated co-extrusion technology provides the advantage of blowing multi-wall bottles and supplying identical products from all four Canadian facilities.

1983

Recochem expands its Automotive market

Recochem expands its Automotive market

Recochem expands into the Canadian automotive market by increasing its production capabilities to include Windshield Washer Fluid, RV Plumbing Antifreeze and Antifreeze/Coolant for gas bars, retailers and automotive jobbers.

1981

Company’s name changes to Recochem

Company’s name changes to Recochem

The growing group of companies is renamed Recochem Inc, and reorganized under one corporation controlled by Joseph Kuchar and his daughters Eva and Marina. A strong management team and dedicated employees help make the transition from a “small”enterprise to a globally competitive organization.

New logo aligns company image with petrochemicals and that of a reliable, trustworthy organization.

1975

Facility opens in Australia

Facility opens in Australia

An opportunity arises to enter the Australian market for Chlorinated benzene products, so property is purchased in Brisbane and a production facility is established. The company dominates the Australian market as a supplier of para -and ortho- dichlorobenzene products.

Logo is updated for a new “modern look”.

1970

Record Chemical sets up Plant in Ontario

Record Chemical sets up Plant in Ontario

A plant is acquired in Brampton, ON, to continue company growth, particularly in the consumer products business with paint thinners and solvents, automotive liquids and household chemicals.

1964

Record Chemical expands across Canada

Record Chemical expands across Canada

A branch opens in Burnaby, B.C., which later moves to Port Coquitlam, B.C., in 1979.

1961

Napierville Refineries is acquired

Napierville Refineries is acquired

In a joint venture Joseph Kuchar acquires land in Napierville, Québec and builds a naphthalene and chlorinated benzenes refinery under the name Chemical Refineries Corp. Record Chemical later takes over the joint venture and Napierville Refineries goes through several major expansions. Today, it is the only refinery in North America to produce and sell naphthalene.

The Industrial Division is established to import and distribute chemical intermediates needed by the Canadian chemical industry from Europe, South America and from the growing Chinese market.

The Consumer Division is formed to formulate, package and distribute a wide range of household, automotive and paint sundry chemical products.

1958

Record Chemical moves to Saint-Laurent

Record Chemical moves to Saint-Laurent

The company moves to 850 Montée de Liesse Road in Ville St. Laurent. It expands into new product lines, including liquid filling operations, to produce paint sundries, outdoor living product and windshield washer  fluid.

The St-Laurent location still remains the corporate head office today.