Armor Protective Packaging
Armor Protective Packaging, founded in 1979 and based in Howell, Michigan, manufactures Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) films, papers, emitters, and rust removal products for automotive, industrial, military, and consumer customers across more than 30 countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1979
- HeadquartersHowell, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Armor Protective Packaging does
Armor Protective Packaging, operating as a DBA of SKS Industries, Inc., is a Howell, Michigan-based specialty manufacturer founded in 1979 that designs and sells Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) packaging and rust removal products for metal parts. The company's proprietary VCI Nanotechnology releases corrosion-inhibiting molecules that form a 2–3 molecule-thick protective layer on ferrous and non-ferrous metals, displacing moisture and neutralizing the electro-chemical oxidation process. The product portfolio spans VCI films (ARMOR POLY, ARMOR DEFENDER, ARMOR SEA Film, ARMOR POLY Stretch Film), VCI papers (ARMOR WRAP variants including MIL-PRF-3420-approved Military paper), VCI emitters and foams, woven polypropylene, liquid coatings (Dry Coat, ARMOR CLAD), moisture control systems (SMARTY PAK, SMARTY Board, desiccants), the INVISIBLE ARMOR environmental data tracker, VCI masterbatch additives for third-party manufacturers, long-term storage systems under the ARMOR Vault brand (5–20 years of protection), and Metal Rescue rust removal baths and gels.
ARMOR sells to industrial OEMs, tier-one and tier-two automotive suppliers, defense and military buyers, firearms manufacturers, oil and gas operators, agriculture and construction equipment makers, and increasingly AI infrastructure and data center hardware customers. Distribution is multi-channel: industrial packaging distributors and direct enterprise sales serve large accounts, while a Stock & Ready e-commerce storefront with no minimum orders and free US freight handles SMB and individual buyers; the Workshop Hero consumer division serves hobbyists and retail channels. The company operates a wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary (ARMOR of Canada) and reaches over 30 countries across five continents through 18+ country-specific channel partners.
The business is privately held by three partners — CEO John Holden (co-founder, semi-retired), David Yancho (VP Sales and Marketing), and Robin McConnell — with no disclosed institutional or private equity ownership. The company has won repeated workplace and industry awards, including Forbes Small Giants, Inc. Best Workplaces, and multiple Crain's recognitions, and maintains a modest headcount of 11–50 employees.
Armor Protective Packaging firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Armor Protective Packaging
- Legal name
- SKS Industries, Inc.
- Website
- https://armorvci.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1979
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Armor Protective Packaging, founded in 1979 and based in Howell, Michigan, manufactures Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) films, papers, emitters, and rust removal products for automotive, industrial, military, and consumer customers across more than 30 countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Armor Protective Packaging industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Corrosion Prevention Packaging
- NAICS
- Paint, Coating, and Adhesive Manufacturing (3255), Plastics Material and Resin Manufacturing (325211), Resin and Synthetic Rubber Manufacturing (32521), Coating, Engraving, Heat Treating, and Allied Activities (3328)
- SIC
- Plastics, Foil & Coated Paper Bags (2673), Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Prods (2851), Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890), Plastics Products, Nec (3089)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Inflatable & Air Cushion Packaging (Air Pillows, Bubble Wrap Systems) (IMALAFAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Industrial Protective Coatings (IMADAKAB), Metal Packaging Coatings & Linings (BPA-NI, Epoxy, Internal Coatings) (IMALADAK)
Keywords
Where Armor Protective Packaging is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Howell
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices6 records
Markets served
Armor Protective Packaging business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- VCI Packaging Products: ARMOR generates revenue through the sale of VCI-coated packaging materials including films, papers, bags, emitters, and related rust prevention products. Products are sold through industrial distributors, direct sales, and e-commerce channels with unit-based pricing.
- Custom/Specialty Products: Revenue from custom-sized and specialty VCI products tailored to specific customer requirements, including long-term rust prevention solutions for extended storage needs.
- Rust Removal Products: Sale of Metal Rescue rust removal products (Bath and Gel) for removing existing rust from ferrous metals using citric-acid-based formulas.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | VCI Paper Products - Sheets and Rolls |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | VCI Film Products - Bags, Sheeting, Tubing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Moisture Control Products - Smarty Pak |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom/Non-Stock Products |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels10 records
Armor Protective Packaging product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Armor Protective Packaging manufactures and sells Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) based packaging products, including VCI films, VCI papers, VCI emitters, woven polypropylene, moisture control devices, liquid rust preventatives, VCI masterbatch additives, long-term storage materials and rust removal products, for protecting ferrous and non-ferrous metal parts during manufacturing, storage and shipping. Customers include automotive OEMs and tier suppliers, industrial manufacturers, military, firearms, oil and gas, construction and agriculture equipment makers, and consumer/retail buyers via the Workshop Hero division.
Product overview
Armor Protective Packaging offers a comprehensive portfolio of VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor) based rust prevention and removal products. The core product line includes VCI Films (ARMOR POLY, ARMOR DEFENDER, ARMOR SEA Film, ARMOR POLY Stretch Film), VCI Papers (ARMOR WRAP series including HexcelWrap, G, Military, MPI, and SCRIM variants), VCI Emitters (ARMOR SHIELD Foam and CF33), and VCI Poly Woven (ARMOR WOVEN). The portfolio expands into complementary categories including Moisture Control products (ARMOR SHIELD Desiccants, SMARTY PAK, SMARTY Board, INVISIBLE ARMOR Data Tracker), Rust Prevention Liquids (Dry Coat, ARMOR CLAD), VCI Masterbatch additives, and Rust Removers (Metal Rescue BATH and GEL). Long-term protection is addressed through ARMOR Vault products (including ARMOR CRUSADER and ARMOR SENTINEL) offering 5-20 years of corrosion prevention. The company operates through a Stock & Ready inventory program offering in-stock products with no minimum orders and fast shipping.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Workshop Hero: Consumer and retail markets division for Workshop Hero products.
Products and services
- ARMOR POLY Versatile VCI Nanotechnology rust prevention sheets, film, and bags used by manufacturers and industrial buyers to protect metal parts during storage and shipping.
- ARMOR DEFENDER Cost-savings and source-reduction VCI rust prevention bags designed for storage and shipping applications, positioned as a sustainability-focused alternative to standard poly bags.
- ARMOR CRUSADER Long-term rust prevention product providing 5 to 10 years of protection using multi-layered barriers combined with VCI technology.
- ARMOR SENTINEL Long-term rust prevention product providing 10 to 15 years of protection using metallized PET combined with VCI technology.
- ARMOR SEA Film VCI film that combines Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors with UV stabilizers to prevent rust on metal parts exposed to outdoor conditions during shipping and storage.
- ARMOR POLY Stretch Film Tough and flexible VCI stretch film designed for corrosion prevention on large or bulky metal items during storage and shipping.
- ARMOR WOVEN Durable, tear-resistant VCI woven polypropylene packaging for protecting steel and other metal parts from rust and physical damage.
- ARMOR WRAP HexcelWrap Cushioning, slit-sheet VCI rust prevention paper embedded with VCI that protects metal parts from both physical damage and corrosion.
- ARMOR WRAP G Universal VCI rust prevention paper meeting international standards including RoHS, REACH and CPL for general industrial use.
- ARMOR WRAP Military U.S. Military-approved VCI rust prevention paper meeting MIL-PRF-3420 specifications, used for armaments and defense equipment storage.
- ARMOR WRAP MPI VCI corrosion prevention paper specifically designed for non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, brass, copper and tin.
- ARMOR WRAP SCRIM Heavy-duty VCI rust prevention paper for wrapping large, bulky or sharp-edged metal items in storage and shipping.
- ARMOR SHIELD Foam Emitters VCI emitter pads designed to release corrosion inhibitor vapors inside enclosures, used to protect electronics and other fragile metal items.
- ARMOR SHIELD CF33 Emitter Controlled-release corrosion inhibiting emitter for protecting ferrous and non-ferrous items inside enclosures and packaging.
- VCI Corrugated Plastic Durable, lightweight, rust-preventing VCI-impregnated corrugated plastic for protecting small- and mid-sized metal parts in storage and shipping.
- Dry Coat Rust Preventative Water-based, no-mess, quick-drying protective liquid coating for preventing rust on ferrous metals as an alternative to oil-based preventatives.
- ARMOR CLAD Rust Prevention VCI Coating Water-based, quick-drying VCI coating designed for application on corrugated linerboard to convert standard packaging into VCI-active rust-preventive packaging.
- ARMOR SHIELD Desiccants Desiccant packs that control moisture and humidity inside packaging to complement VCI protection during packing and storage.
- SMARTY PAK VCI + Desiccant Combined VCI and desiccant packs for superior rust prevention and moisture control during packing, shipping and storage.
- SMARTY Board Dual-action fiberboard combining VCI chemistry and desiccant to deliver combined rust prevention and moisture control for packaged metal parts.
- INVISIBLE ARMOR Data Tracker Real-time tracking device that records humidity, temperature, light and impact exposure during shipping and storage of metal parts.
- VCI Masterbatch Custom VCI rust-prevention additives supplied to manufacturers and packaging suppliers as resin, powder pellets or liquid for integration into their own production processes.
- ARMOR Vault Super-duty long-term rust prevention material system for protecting metal parts for up to 20 years or more in long-term storage applications.
- Metal Rescue Rust Remover BATH Non-corrosive, fume-free, water-based rust remover bath for removing rust from ferrous metals without harsh acids.
- Metal Rescue Rust Remover GEL Citric-acid-based rust remover gel for removing rust from ferrous metals in applications where a soak bath is not practical.
- Stock & Ready Program Inventory and fulfillment program offering one of the largest in-stock inventories of VCI products with no minimum orders, fast shipping and free US freight for stock SKUs.
Quantifiable outcome
- 266+ tons of poly saved from going to landfill in 2025 through ARMOR DEFENDER film
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use Armor Protective Packaging
Customer profileNamed customers19 records
Segments9 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Armor Protective Packaging technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Armor Protective Packaging partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Nippe Trading (Japan)coreARMOR partnered with Japan's Nippe Trading (a division of global company Nippon Paint) to expand presence in the Japanese market. Nippe Trading hosts a customer base of Japanese customers and provides distribution for ARMOR VCI products in Japan.
- THUPHAHU Corporation (Vietnam)coreTHUPHAHU CORPORATION (CÔNG TY THUẬN PHÁT HƯNG) serves as ARMOR's representative and distributor in Vietnam, operating from Ho Chi Minh City. Contact: Mr. Trong An.
- Technology Packaging Limited (UK)coreTechnology Packaging Limited serves as ARMOR's representative for the United Kingdom, operating from PO Box 44, Northwood, Middlesex. Contact: Jerry Harwood. Also operates metalrescue.co.uk for UK market.
- KANAS Trading FZE (UAE)coreKANAS TRADING FZE serves as ARMOR's representative in the United Arab Emirates, operating from C1 Tower, 1319, Ajman Free Zone. Contact through kanasgroup.com/rust-prevention-removal/.
- Wealthy Shine Co., Ltd. (Thailand)coreWEALTHY SHINE CO.,LTD. serves as ARMOR's representative in Thailand, operating from Bangkok. Contact: Sirisak Suradecha.
- Protective SP. Z O.O. (Poland)coreProtective SP. Z O.O. serves as ARMOR's representative in Poland, operating from Zaczernie. Contact: Grzegorz Janicki & Dominika Bogdan Janicka. Website: armorvcipolska.pl.
- ACCURATECH Machine Industries, Inc. (Philippines)coreACCURATECH Machine Industries, Inc. serves as ARMOR's representative in the Philippines, operating from Pasig City, Metro Manila.
- KIMIK Ltda (Colombia)coreKIMIK Ltda serves as ARMOR's representative in Colombia, operating from Bogotá. Contact: Mr. Fredy Quintana.
- ANUBX for Trading & Investment (Egypt)coreANUBX for Trading & Investment serves as ARMOR's representative in Egypt, operating from Maadi, Cairo. Contact: Ahmed Shawky.
- TEKPAK (India)coreTEKPAK serves as ARMOR's representative in India, operating from Chennai. Contact: Mr. Rajan Babu. Website: armorvci.co.in.
- Amassed (Malaysia)coreAmassed serves as ARMOR's representative in Malaysia, operating from Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Contact: Wallace NG.
- PT. INTERNUSA INDONESIAcorePT. INTERNUSA INDONESIA serves as ARMOR's representative in Indonesia, operating from Lippo Cikarang, Bekasi. Contact: II Kurniawan & Irwan Nasution.
- Beijing Waiteksin Advanced Technology Co. Ltd. (China)coreBeijing Waiteksin Advanced Technology Co. Ltd. serves as ARMOR's representative in China, operating from Beijing. Primary contact: Jinsen Chang. Secondary contact: Yusi Zhu. Website: armorvci.com.cn.
- Textil Casale Ltda. (Chile)coreTextil Casale Ltda. serves as ARMOR's representative in Chile. Contact: Mr. Ignacio Casale.
- PG PACK INDUSTRIAL LTDA (Brazil)corePG PACK INDUSTRIAL LTDA serves as ARMOR's representative in Brazil, operating from Curitiba/PR. Contacts: Antonio Farias & Julia Carnevale. Website: pgpack.com.br.
- International Sales (Peru/Argentina Region)coreInternational Sales Manager covers Peru and Argentina region from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Contact based in Argentina for South American coverage.
- ARMOR AustraliacoreARMOR Australia operates from Taren Point, NSW. Address: 41A Bay Rd, Taren Point, NSW 2229 Australia. Landline: +61 (2) 9524 5236.
- Advanced Al Hamah General Contracting Establishment (Saudi Arabia)coreAdvanced Al Hamah General Contracting Establishment serves as ARMOR's representative in Saudi Arabia, operating from Al Khobar. Contact: Safdar Malik.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Armor Protective Packaging competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Cortec Corporation: Cortec is a leading direct competitor in VCI films, papers, and corrosion inhibitor chemicals with a similar product portfolio (VpCI technology). They compete head-to-head with ARMOR across automotive, military, and industrial packaging end markets globally.
- Zerust (Northern Technologies International Corporation): Zerust/NTIC is a publicly traded direct peer offering VCI films, papers, emitters, and rust preventatives with similar target customers (automotive OEMs, industrial manufacturers) and parallel global distribution. Comparable in technology and product breadth to ARMOR's VCI Nanotechnology portfolio.
- Daubert Cromwell: Daubert Cromwell is a major manufacturer of VCI papers and films for rust prevention packaging, directly competing with ARMOR's ARMOR WRAP paper line and ARMOR POLY film line in automotive, military, and industrial markets.
- Branopac (Hänseler Group / Branopac GmbH): Branopac is a European-based direct competitor producing VCI films, papers, and corrosion protection packaging with similar end markets in automotive, metalworking, and export shipping — competing against ARMOR in international markets like Germany and the UK.
- MetPro Group: MetPro manufactures VCI films, papers, and desiccants for corrosion prevention packaging. They compete directly with ARMOR's core product lines across industrial and export shipping customer segments.
Broad incumbents
- Rust-Oleum Corporation: Rust-Oleum is a broad protective coatings incumbent with industrial rust-prevention products (paints, coatings, sprays). While not specialized in VCI packaging like ARMOR, they overlap on liquid rust prevention coatings (e.g., DRY COAT) and compete for industrial maintenance and consumer DIY rust-prevention budgets.
- Henkel AG: Henkel is a global adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings incumbent with industrial surface treatment products that overlap with ARMOR's VCI coatings (ARMOR CLAD, Dry Coat) and broader industrial packaging markets. Much larger scale and broader portfolio than ARMOR.
- PPG Industries: PPG is a major global paints and coatings incumbent with industrial protective coatings. They overlap with ARMOR's liquid rust-prevention products and serve similar large OEM customers, though they do not specialize in VCI packaging films and papers.
- 3M Company: 3M is a diversified industrial conglomerate with broad packaging, films, and protective product lines. Notable because David Yancho (ARMOR VP Sales) previously worked at 3M in engineering and account management, indicating 3M is a relevant adjacent incumbent in industrial protective materials.
Emerging players
- Cortec Sponge-Jet / Specialty Coating Systems: Specialty coating and packaging providers serving adjacent corrosion-prevention needs in industrial and military markets — partial overlap with ARMOR's MIL-spec products and protective coatings portfolio.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Armor Protective Packaging social profiles
Digital presenceArmor Protective Packaging compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
Armor Protective Packaging financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Armor Protective Packaging leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
Armor Protective Packaging subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Armor Protective Packaging funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Armor Protective Packaging 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 Armor Protective Packaging
What does Armor Protective Packaging do?
Armor Protective Packaging manufactures and sells Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) based packaging products, including VCI films, VCI papers, VCI emitters, woven polypropylene, moisture control devices, liquid rust preventatives, VCI masterbatch additives, long-term storage materials and rust removal products, for protecting ferrous and non-ferrous metal parts during manufacturing, storage and shipping. Customers include automotive OEMs and tier suppliers, industrial manufacturers, military, firearms, oil and gas, construction and agriculture equipment makers, and consumer/retail buyers via the Workshop Hero division.
Is Armor Protective Packaging a public or private company?
Armor Protective Packaging is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Armor Protective Packaging founded?
Armor Protective Packaging was founded in 1979. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Armor Protective Packaging based?
Armor Protective Packaging is headquartered in Howell, United States, in the North America region.
How does Armor Protective Packaging make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. VCI Packaging Products are the primary driver. The others are custom/Specialty Products and rust Removal Products.
Who are Armor Protective Packaging's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Cortec Corporation, Zerust (Northern Technologies International Corporation), Daubert Cromwell, Branopac (Hänseler Group / Branopac GmbH) and MetPro Group. Broad incumbents are Rust-Oleum Corporation, Henkel AG, PPG Industries and 3M Company. Cortec Sponge-Jet / Specialty Coating Systems is listed as an emerging player.
Does Armor Protective Packaging have an API?
No public API is recorded for Armor Protective Packaging.
What industry is Armor Protective Packaging in?
Armor Protective Packaging's product category is Industrial Corrosion Prevention Packaging. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMALAFAB, Inflatable & Air Cushion Packaging (Air Pillows, Bubble Wrap Systems), with a secondary code of IMADAKAB, Industrial Protective Coatings. Its NAICS code is 3255 and its SIC code is 2673.