Permatex
Permatex, a 1909-founded division of Illinois Tool Works, manufactures and distributes chemical maintenance and repair products, including gasket makers, threadlockers, lubricants, sealants, and hand cleaners, serving professional technicians, DIY consumers, and fleet operators through major auto parts retailers and international distributors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1909
- HeadquartersHartford, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Permatex does
Permatex, founded in 1909 and headquartered in Solon, Ohio with a corporate mailing address in Hartford, Connecticut, is a manufacturer and marketer of chemical maintenance and repair products for the automotive aftermarket, with adjacent applications in marine and home repair. Its core technology platform is built around chemical formulations, including anaerobic sealants that cure in the absence of air in the presence of metal, room-temperature-vulcanizing (RTV) silicone gasket makers, color-coded threadlockers (Blue/Orange/Red), specialty lubricants, epoxies, stop-leak products, and a portfolio of repair kits. The product line is organized into sub-brands including The Right Stuff (rapid-cure gasket makers and threadlockers), Ultra Series (Ultra Black/Blue/Grey/Copper), Optimum Easy-Disassembly, Fast Orange (hand cleaners and laundry detergent), Scrubs, and Spray Nine (heavy-duty cleaner/degreaser/disinfectant).
The company generates revenue through one-time sales of chemical products distributed primarily through major US auto parts retail chains (AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA Auto Parts, Advance Auto Parts), independent distributors (Auto Value, BTB Auto Parts, Auto Plus), and international distributor partners in 15+ countries. Its go-to-market combines channel distribution, motorsports sponsorships (NHRA Follow A Dream for 12+ years, StarCom Racing NASCAR), industry trade shows (SEMA, AAPEX), and an ASE-accredited online training portal at permatextraining.com that targets professional technicians and countermen. Permatex serves three primary customer segments: professional automotive technicians (primary), DIY consumers, and commercial fleet operators, while operating as a division of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW) following ITW's 1999 acquisition, which provides shared infrastructure but means Permatex is not independently capitalized or governed.
Permatex firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Permatex
- Legal name
- Permatex (division of Illinois Tool Works Inc.)
- Website
- https://permatex.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1909
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Permatex, a 1909-founded division of Illinois Tool Works, manufactures and distributes chemical maintenance and repair products, including gasket makers, threadlockers, lubricants, sealants, and hand cleaners, serving professional technicians, DIY consumers, and fleet operators through major auto parts retailers and international distributors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Permatex industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Automotive Maintenance Chemicals
- NAICS
- Chemical Manufacturing (325), Petroleum Lubricating Oil and Grease Manufacturing (324191), Other Chemical Product and Preparation Manufacturing (3259)
- SIC
- Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Aftermarket Fluids, Lubricants & Chemical Products Manufacturing (Oils/Coolants/Additives/Cleaners) (IMACANAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Lubricants, Fluids & Chemical Products Distribution (Oils, Coolants, AdBlue/DEF, Cleaners) (TLAKAOAL), Fuel Additives & Lubricant Additives (IMAEAMAL), Car Wash, Auto Detailing & Vehicle Cleaning Supplies Distribution (CRAOAGAM), Packaging, Filling & Private Label / Contract Manufacturing (EUALAJAD)
Keywords
Where Permatex is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hartford
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Permatex business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Chemical Maintenance Products: One-time sale of chemical formulations including gasket makers, threadlockers, sealants, lubricants, and repair kits sold through auto parts distribution channels and directly to automotive professionals
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Permatex product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Permatex manufactures, markets, and distributes chemical products for automotive maintenance and repair, including gasket makers, threadlockers, lubricants, adhesives, sealants, stop leaks, and specialized repair kits. Operating as a division of Illinois Tool Works Inc. since 1999, the company serves professional automotive technicians, commercial fleet operators, and DIY consumers through a broad distribution network.
Product overview
Permatex is a chemical technology company specializing in automotive maintenance and repair products, operating as a division of Illinois Tool Works Inc. since 1909. The product portfolio is organized into interconnected core lines: Gasket Makers (including The Right Stuff, Ultra, and Optimum sub-brands) provide sealing solutions; Threadlockers (Blue, Orange, Red) secure fasteners with color-coded strength levels; Lubricants (brake, anti-seize, specialty) protect components; Adhesives & Sealants enable bonding across materials; Stop Leaks address fluid system repairs; and Specialized Maintenance & Repair products cover body work, rust treatment, and comprehensive repair kits. Supporting these core offerings are Hand Care brands (Fast Orange, Scrubs) and specialty disinfectants (Spray Nine). The products serve both professional technicians and DIY consumers across automotive, marine, and home applications.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Fast Orange: Hand cleaners and mechanic's laundry detergent products including Fast Orange Grease X
- The Right Stuff
- Scrubs
- Spray Nine
- Ultra Series
- Optimum
Products and services
- Gasket Makers
Quantifiable outcome
- 3X stronger than Blue Threadlocker
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Permatex
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Permatex technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Permatex partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.
- StarCom RacingminorNASCAR Cup Series racing team sponsorship for the 2020 season, sponsoring the #00 car and driver Quin Houff in select races to build brand visibility in professional motorsports.
- Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt SeriesminorMotorsports sponsorship of Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series events, with Fast Orange serving as presenting sponsor for events like the OPTIMA Batteries Busch 50.
- Auto ValuecoreNational auto parts distribution network partner distributing Permatex products through their retail locations across the United States.
- BTB Auto PartscoreIndependent auto parts distributor with multiple retail locations serving automotive service professionals and consumers.
- Auto PluscoreAuto parts distribution network partner providing Permatex product availability through their distribution network.
- NAPA Auto PartscoreMajor national auto parts chain with extensive distribution network carrying Permatex products.
- O'Reilly Auto PartscoreNational auto parts retail chain offering Permatex products across their store network.
- International Distributor NetworkcoreGlobal distribution network including partners in Singapore, Czech Republic, Malaysia, Korea, Hungary, Thailand, Greece, Israel, UAE, Japan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and UK enabling international market presence.
- Follow A Dream RacingflagshipLong-term motorsports sponsorship partnership with NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car team. Partnership has spanned 12+ consecutive racing seasons since 2005, serving as Permatex's primary motorsports marketing platform to demonstrate product performance in extreme racing conditions.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Permatex competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- Genuine Parts Company (NAPA): Parent of NAPA Auto Parts, a major Permatex distribution partner. Comparable as automotive aftermarket chemicals and parts distributor, and serves as both customer and adjacent competitor through private-label lines.
- Illinois Tool Works (ITW): Permatex's parent conglomerate. Comparable as the diversified industrial group housing multiple automotive-adjacent product divisions, providing capital allocation and shared distribution infrastructure context for Permatex.
Broad incumbents
- 3M: Broad industrial conglomerate with significant automotive aftermarket chemicals (adhesives, sealants, abrasives). 3M competes with Permatex across multiple product categories as part of a much larger diversified portfolio.
- Valvoline: Major lubricants and automotive chemicals supplier with established retail and quick-lube presence. Overlaps with Permatex in lubricants and additive categories while operating at much larger scale through service center network.
Emerging players
- Liqui Moly: German specialty manufacturer of lubricants, additives, and automotive chemicals. Comparable in product mix and premium positioning, with growing international presence similar to Permatex's global footprint.
Direct peers
- WD-40 Company: Manufacturer of multi-use lubricants, penetrants, and specialty maintenance chemicals sold through the same auto parts retail channels. Highly comparable in product chemistry, distribution strategy, and DIY/professional segmentation.
- Berryman Products: US specialty chemical maker focused on automotive fuel additives, cleaners, and maintenance chemicals. Direct niche competitor serving similar auto parts retail channels and DIY/professional segments.
- CRC Industries: Specialty chemical manufacturer focused on automotive MRO products including lubricants, penetrants, cleaners, and sealants. Directly comparable in product mix, channel (auto parts retailers), and professional/DIY customer base.
- Devcon: Manufacturer of epoxy adhesives, coatings, and repair compounds for automotive and industrial MRO. Direct overlap with Permatex's epoxies and adhesives lines, serving similar professional and DIY channels.
- Henkel (Loctite): Direct competitor in threadlockers, anaerobic sealants, gaskets, and adhesives for automotive/MRO. Loctite is the leading premium brand against which Permatex's Orange threadlocker and Right Stuff lines compete on strength and cure time.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Permatex social profiles
Digital presencePermatex financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Permatex leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Permatex funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Permatex M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Permatex
What does Permatex do?
Permatex manufactures, markets, and distributes chemical products for automotive maintenance and repair, including gasket makers, threadlockers, lubricants, adhesives, sealants, stop leaks, and specialized repair kits. Operating as a division of Illinois Tool Works Inc. since 1999, the company serves professional automotive technicians, commercial fleet operators, and DIY consumers through a broad distribution network.
Is Permatex a public or private company?
Permatex is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Permatex founded?
Permatex was founded in 1909. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Permatex based?
Permatex is headquartered in Hartford, United States, in the North America region.
How does Permatex make money?
One revenue line is on record: chemical Maintenance Products.
Who are Permatex's main competitors?
Others on record are Genuine Parts Company (NAPA) and Illinois Tool Works (ITW). Broad incumbents are 3M and Valvoline. Liqui Moly is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are WD-40 Company, Berryman Products, CRC Industries, Devcon and Henkel (Loctite).
Does Permatex have an API?
No public API is recorded for Permatex.
What industry is Permatex in?
Permatex's product category is Automotive Maintenance Chemicals. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMACANAK, Aftermarket Fluids, Lubricants & Chemical Products Manufacturing (Oils/Coolants/Additives/Cleaners), with a secondary code of TLAKAOAL, Lubricants, Fluids & Chemical Products Distribution (Oils, Coolants, AdBlue/DEF, Cleaners). Its NAICS code is 325 and its SIC code is 2890.