United Gilsonite Laboratories

U N I T E D
G I L S O N I T E
L A B O R A T O R I E S
1932-2012
THIS IS A STORY OF A UNIQUE COMPANY AND A MAKER OF
SPECIALIZED PRODUCTS.
This history is being published on the 80th anniversary of this paint specialty company, United Gilsonite
Laboratories. That is a mature age for any organization, but it is more than that in the paint industry-it is a record.
We can only wonder if the founder Gerald B. Payne could ever had imagined that the company he started from
humble beginnings in 1932 would soar to the international company it is today.
But longevity, while interesting, perhaps even commendable, is itself hardly a virtue. It is the future that counts.
Unlike people, organizations can renew themselves. We at UGL believe that new people, new ideas, and progressive
management are the things that will make the future in this fast-moving economy even more productive and more
interesting than the past.
By the 1930s money in America was scarce because of the Great Depression so people did what they could to
make their lives happy. Movies were hot, parlor games and board games were popular. People gathered around
radios to listen to the Yankees. Young people danced to the big bands. Franklin Roosevelt influenced Americans
with his Fireside Chats. The Golden Age of the Mystery Novel continued as people escaped into books.
UGL’s original building
UGL's Founder Mr. Payne (at right)
discusses product strategy with
UGL’s Treasurer, George Walker (at left)
It all started with this sausage
grinder which was converted to
furnace cement mixer
UGL Manufacturing circa 1940s
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Gerald Baker Payne – “Jerry” to his friends would
only did he meet Winifred, but upset by the
Next, he would need equipment and this is where his
start work at the age of 17. He tried his hand at many
company’s attitude to hiring more staff – Mr. Payne
ingenuity would kick in. Mr. Payne began
businesses, but decided that he had a natural bent for
had quadrupled company sales – he decided to form
manufacturing furnace cement with a sausage
selling. After a failed canning business and $2,000 in
his own company, United Gilsonite Laboratories. In
grinder that he purchased from a junkyard for $5. The
debt, Mr. Payne looked for a fresh opportunity and
1932 with savings of $5,000 and eight employees, he
machine was in such bad shape that it had to be
advancement with a reputable company and went to
started out on his own making asphalt products and
soaked in kerosene for a week to free the rusted parts.
work for the Flintkoate Company, manufacturers of
roofing treatments.
roofing asphalt. After twelve tries at being hired, the
company eventually gave him a job in the office. He
soon made his way into the promotions department,
and was put in charge of the department after six
months. The company quickly moved him into sales
and he was soon given charge of the copper-clad
shingle division. His duties would soon give him
responsibility in Scranton, Pennsylvania and it was in
Scranton in 1930 that he met Winifred Van Tassell
Royce, the only daughter of an executive of the U.S.
Lumber Company; she would become his wife in
1932. 1930 was an important year for Mr. Payne, not
The next UGL product introduced was roof cement,
He knew that success in the business world largely
made outdoors in an open vat. Mr. Payne constructed
depends on the message you convey and the image
the mixing machine by connecting five Ford
you project, and that would start with a name. He
automobile rear ends, fans, and an old five horsepower
named his company United Gilsonite Laboratories,
electric motor. The noise could be heard for blocks.
UGL for short. It is an unusual name that’s
pronounced United Gill-son-ite Laboratories. The
name was chosen because asphalt roof coating, which
contained Gilsonite (a kind of asphalt), was one of the
first products manufactured by this new company
and because it made the company appear bigger
than it really was.
His first years were hard; he only paid himself $25 a
week and after ten years he had only broken even.
In 1935, UGL outgrew a rented warehouse so Mr. Payne purchased a building on Jefferson Avenue in Dunmore,
PA. It provided three floors for mixing, packaging, office space and a laboratory in which to develop and test
new products. This site currently serves as UGL’s five acre manufacturing complex, corporate headquarters, and
a distribution center for the eastern United States.
UGL’s building in Scranton, PA
As demand for Gilsalume increases,
UGL expands plant to another building
An early version of UGL’s award-winning
DRYLOK® Action Display
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Mexican magazine. A circle of people started dancing at a dinner held by a
happy look on both of their faces. After a few to build around them and I noticed a
a big applause from everyone. I felt a proud feelminutes they stopped dancing and they got
Dieter Luloh - 10 Years - ing to be part of this company.
Export Manager
An invoice from the 1950s
UGL ‘s First Sales Meeting in 1953
The UGL product line began to expand into multiple product lines
America’s Number One Waterproofer
allowing the business to grow and capitalize on its budding
In 1953, UGL held its first National Sales Meeting and introduced the
reputation. In 1938 E-JECT-O Drain Opener and other specialties,
DRYLOK line, including nine separate products for waterproofing
including GLOMEX Furniture Polish and PARISIAN WALL SIZE were
basements, stopping active masonry leaks, protecting and
developed. GILSALUME, the first asphalt aluminum paint to provide
beautifying interior or exterior masonry walls and painting masonry
roof surfaces with heat reflecting qualities and weather protection,
floors. Adding these new products to the existing product lines
joined the UGL line later that year.
would help UGL compete more broadly in a growing industry.
It was in the years after World War II that the Home Improvement
Industry really started to boom. Soldiers were heading home and
needed a place to settle down with their young families. During this
time, demand for GILSALUME grew and UGL acquired another
building. This new facility provided additional production space for
new paste products that UGL developed for the growing Do-ItYourself market including glazing, caulking compounds, patching
and repair products. It is during this time that UGL developed its
business strategy to position the business as a paint specialty
company that would develop and manufacture niche products for
all home improvement projects.
The 50s started Suburban America. Farms were turning into neighborhoods and people were moving out of
the cities looking for a little slice of heaven. Ranch style homes with natural wood materials would be the
architectural style of the times.
Early window display for Temproof line
An early UGL tradeshow booth
UGL’s Scranton packing/production area, circa 1974
Keep up the good work in providing us with exceptional products. Everyone
at Siperstein Ford's Paint Corp as well as our customers, thank you!
Siperstein Ford Paint Corp, Fords, NJ.
A swinging 1950s' ZAR Ad demonstrates
the power of polyurethane over
varnish, lacquer and shellac coatings
Introduction of ZAR Polyurethane
1958 was a breakthrough year for UGL with the introduction of ZAR CRYSTALLITE
COATING. Prior to this, the only floor coating available for use on hardwood floors
was varnish. Polyurethane was a new material for the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Market.
Prior to this, it was being used for commercial applications such as furniture and
automobiles. UGL was one of the first to create the product for the DIY Market. The
varnishes, lacquers and shellacs were not DIY friendly, they were very flammable,
they had fewer solids so they were less durable and they had a tendency to change
color over time, age and crack, creating an alligator effect. In addition, these
coatings did not offer the variety of sheens that the polyurethane coatings do.
Expanding Manufacturing Capabilities
From 1960 to 1970, UGL’s manufacturing facility expanded three separate times to
accommodate a growing administration, demand for product and an increasing
product line. ZAR Paint and Varnish Removers and DRYLOK Ready Mixed Sealer
were two of the products added to manufacturing during these years. Both products
are still among the over 80 products manufactured today.
ZAR’s Premium Quality Stain Added to Line
Developing upon the strong ZAR name and expanding the
wood finishing product line, UGL acquired Beverlee’s Wood
Finishing products and added ZAR Satin Stains, now known as
Mr. Payne Passes The Torch
In 1978, Gerald B. Payne stepped down as president of UGL and became the
chairman of the board. He left UGL in safe hands, those belonging to the
company’s second president and Mr. Payne’s Son In-law Malcolm (Mac) C.
MacKinnon. Mac joined UGL in 1960 and worked his way through the sales ranks,
becoming executive vice president and then president until December of 2002,
when he became chairman of the board.
Much would change during Mac’s tenure as president. The
longtime vision of two businessmen for one-stop shopping for
the do-it-yourselfer led to the development of, first The Home
Depot and next Lowe’s. The development of these two retail
distributors increased the popularity of home improvement
shopping and increased the demand for UGL products leading to
additional UGL distribution centers. There was a distribution center added in
Visalia, California and Lincoln, Illinois. At this point in the company’s history, all
manufacturing remained in the Scranton, PA facility.
Expansions over the years have changed the look of the original building on
Jefferson Avenue. The biggest expansion took place in 1982 when a 33,000 square
foot paste products manufacturing facility was added. This facility gave UGL the
capacity to produce 25,000 tons of paste products per shift, including up to 80
tubes of caulk per minute.
ZAR Wood Stain, to the line.
Advertisement for ZAR®
Polyurethane, circa 1972
The 1980s were called the Reagan years, because he was president for eight. During his first term the recession ended,
inflation was controlled, and Americans felt hopeful that they could make money again.
The 80s saw many manufacturing
expansions for UGL
Employees work hard to keep up with product demand
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Grand opening ceremony for Jacksonville, IL manufacturing facility in 1986
UGL’s Jackson, Mississippi facility built in 1999
Observers created several expressions to describe some
groups of people at this time. One expression was “the ‘me’
generation”. This described Americans who were only
concerned about themselves. Another expression was
“yuppie”. It meant “young urban professional”. Both these
groups seemed as if they lived just to make and spend
money, money, and more money.
The ranch style home was reinvented with a modernistic
flare that incorporated exposed beams and natural materials.
In 1982, UGL added ZAR Rain Stain, which includes a
complete assortment of 100% acrylic latex exterior stains
and related products to the continually growing product line.
Again, ahead of its time, United Gilsonite Laboratories was
one of the original manufacturers to offer the consumer a
100% acrylic coating over the traditional oil-based coatings
available on the market.
The UGL Product Catalog kept growing with the
development of ZAR Deck Stain (1983) and 25-Year
Lasticaulk (1984). In addition, the company introduced
TEMPROOF Stove and Fireplace products, UGL High
Temperature Aluminum Paint and ZAR Plus.
You can see how UGL’s marketing and production mirrored
the times. As trends changed so did the product offerings.
Manufacturing Reaches Many Parts of the Country
Prior to 1986, United Gilsonite Laboratories maintained one
manufacturing facility in Scranton, PA and distribution
centers in Illinois and Nevada. In 1986, UGL opened a new
manufacturing plant in Jacksonville, Illinois. The 34,000 sq.
ft. facility would help fill customer orders more quickly and
efficiently than ever. The facility would again expand in
1993, increasing the size to 40,000 sq. ft.
The world would truly change in the late 80s with the cell
phone catching on like wildfire and the 90s with the
invention of the World Wide Web. These two inventions
would transform the way all companies did business.
It was in 1992 that UGL added two new products to its line:
Aqua ZAR Water-Based Polyurethane and UGL Adhesive
Caulk. In 1997, United Gilsonite Laboratories expanded its
manufacturing capabilities by building a 36,000 sq. ft.
manufacturing plant in Dayton, Nevada at the Dayton
Industrial Park. The facility became the central
manufacturing and distribution site for UGL’s expanding
Western Markets.
Most recently, in March of 1999, United Gilsonite
Laboratories broke ground for a 39,000 sq.ft. manufacturing
facility in Jackson, Mississippi. The new facility was built as
a statement of commitment to increased southern United
States production.
UGL developed its web site at www.ugl.com. By having a
web presence, UGL expanded its market significantly. Both
ZAR and DRYLOK products were available to people in
other time zones and even across the globe rather than the
limited market audience we could reach with our sales
force. And at a fraction of the cost! UGL product
information is now available to both dealers and
consumers at their convenience.
Change at the Helm
In December of 2002, Mac moved to
chairman of the board and named
Thomas R. White as third president of
United Gilsonite Laboratories. Similar to
Mac, Tom also worked his way through
the sales force starting in 1975 as a UGL salesman, he
quickly became Midwestern sales manager and then
national accounts manager.
UGL has come a long way since 1932; meeting new and changing challenges and demands have
kept us profitable along the way. By maintaining our emphasis on keeping with the latest
technology and market trends we have been able to grow our product lines and uphold our quality.
This was apparent when in 2002, DRYLOK Masonry Waterproofer was rated again, for the second
time, as America’s #1 Masonry Waterproofer by a leading consumer ratings publication.
United Gilsonite Laboratories sales professionals attend
dozens of national and international trade shows
UGL manages its customer orders through
the latest in computer technology
UGL’s laboratory technicians
constantly monitor product quality
In 2001, the need for speed in Home Improvement Products
became very important. With society changing and the
increasing dual family incomes, time had to become a factor in
the drying of these products. UGL incorporated quick drying
packages in most of their ZAR products including the ZAR Wood
Stain and created an ULTRA line of wood finishing products.
Meeting the demanding environmental regulations set forth
by the U.S. government has and will continue to be an
ongoing challenge. With environmental regulations and
quality at the forefront of our product development, UGL has
developed many revolutionary products.
In 2005, UGL developed a low VOC ZAR Oil-Based Wood
Stain and a Low VOC Latex-Base formula of DRYLOK
Masonry Waterproofer.
Using revolutionary new resin technology in 2006, UGL was
able to formulate a Waterborne Oil Modified Polyurethane,
ULTRA Max, which blends the quick drying properties of a latex
base and the durability of an oil base finish. Also formulated
was DRYLOK E1, 1-Part Epoxy Concrete Floor Paint, which also
holds an Editor’s Choice Award from Popular Mechanics®. This is
another product developed with new technology that only UGL
would have.
Keeping up with the strict and ever changing government
regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), UGL’s
chemists developed ZAR ULTRA MAX Wood Stain which uses
Advanced Green Phase Resin Dispersion Technology that
utilizes environmentally friendly resins resulting in a VOC
compliant, environmentally friendly product.
In these years, both the ZAR Exterior Wood Stain line was
expanded with the development of ZAR Deck and Siding Clear
Wood Sealer and Natural Toner Base, also a recipient of the
2009 Popular Mechanics Editor’s Choice Award and the
DRYLOK line with the introduction of DRYLOK Extreme and
Designer DRYLOK. Both the DRYLOK Extreme and Designer
DRYLOK helped to keep our foothold as the leader in the
masonry waterproofer category.
2011 marked a major milestone for UGL as we entered into a
plan of reorganization establishing an asbestos trust to win
immunity from future asbestos lawsuits.
With over 15,000 dealers nationally and internationally, there is
always a friendly UGL salesman nearby. Our sales team consists
of direct salesmen who work one-on-one to provide our dealers
with the best products and service available in the market.
UGL believes in strong marketing by constantly training store
employees who deal with UGL consumers and through
aggressively positioning its displays and products on shelves.
UGL is well known for its in-store displays, the most famous,
the Award Winning DRYLOK Action Display, which uses an
electric pump to show how DRYLOK Masonry Waterproofer
prevents water from penetrating a cinder block.
UGL also uses national and international advertising for
marketing output. Strong advertising and consumer oriented
displays are only two facets of UGL’s marketing strategy. The
other is product quality.
Quality products are one of the main reasons people keep
coming back to UGL. “No matter what, we will not sacrifice
quality,” says Tom White. “If our name is on it, our dealers know it
is quality, it has been like that from day one and it will continue
to remain our core goal for anything we produce.”
“We make it our objective to continually search for the best
resins on the market and seize the latest technology and
incorporate them to make the finest products so they meet the
toughest industry standards.”
With continued energy and a defined purpose, United Gilsonite
Laboratories is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow with
the principles set forth by our founder Mr. Payne.
OFFICERS
In December of 2002, Thomas R. White was named the third
president of United Gilsonite Laboratories. Tom’s move to UGL
president tops a successful career with the company which
started in 1975 when he joined UGL as a salesman servicing
accounts throughout the state of Wisconsin.
In 1978, Mr. White was named UGL Executive Salesman, which
is the highest honor awarded to a UGL salesman for
representing the goals and ideals of the company. In 1985, Tom was promoted to
Midwestern sales manager and in 2000, Mr. White was promoted to national
accounts manager, serving as a liaison between UGL and the company’s large
retail chain accounts.
Tom earned his bachelor of business administration degree in accounting and
business management from Madison Business College, Madison, Wisconsin. He
served on the Scranton Chamber of Commerce Board from 2004 to 2007. He is on
the board and a member of the Enterprise Village Planning Committee for Junior
Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania. A board member of Coatings
Research Group International (CRGI) and American Coatings Association (formerly
National Paint and Coatings Association, NPCA) along with vice chair of CRGI’s
Architectural Coatings Committee and a member of the By-Laws and Audit
Committees. He is also a member of the Presidents’ Round Table for the
Worldwide Do It Yourself Council.
Gerald B. Payne
M.C. MacKinnon
59 years
Founder
Through his tireless efforts
47 years
2nd President and
Chairman of the Board
and commitment to
M.C. MacKinnon, at the
excellence, UGL has grown
time of his passing, Mac
steadily throughout the
board of directors. He was the second president
nationally and internationally.
of United Gilsonite Laboratories with a term that
In his business, community and personal life, Mr.
ran from 1978 to December 2002. Mac first
Payne was a man who remained true to his
joined UGL in 1960 as a sales representative. He
stated philosophy: “The real difference between
served as Sales Manager from 1963 to 1970 and
men is energy. A strong will, a defined purpose
as executive vice president from 1970 to 1978.
and invincible determination can accomplish
Under Mac’s leadership, UGL grew dramatically.
almost anything.”
The product line increased, the sales force
Those ideals will always remain very much a
part of the UGL philosophy. UGL employees
and management proudly salute Mr. Payne for
all that he did to make our company the success
that it is.
Donald Mancuso joined UGL as assistant treasurer in 1978. In
2004, he was promoted to UGL controller and in June of 2006,
he was named treasurer. He is a graduate of Pennsylvania
State University, State College, Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of
Science degree in accounting.
Among many levels of involvement in various community
organizations over the years, Don is the immediate past vice
chairman of Lackawanna County Redevelopment Board,
treasurer of Elkview Country Club and treasurer of Crystal Lake League, Inc. He
enjoys golfing, hunting and traveling.
was chairman of the
years to become a market leader both
Mr. Payne and his wife Winifred had two
daughters Barbara Payne MacKinnon and
Patricia Payne Atkins. Barbara and her husband
Malcolm MacKinnon had two children Karen
MacKinnon Legan and a son Douglas
MacKinnon. Patricia and her husband John
have two children Carter Atkins and Timothy
Atkins.
expanded and the Jacksonville, IL; Dayton, NV
and Jackson, MS manufacturing facilities were
completed.
U G L Em p l oye e s w i t h 2 5 ye a r s or more of ser vice
50 Years or more
35 Years or more
25 Years or more
Gerald Payne – 59**
Carol Ferraro – 48*
Elmer Croom – 41**
George Enkulenko – 34
William Hadfield – 27**
William Mosier – 56*
Mac MacKinnon – 47**
Wayne Kracht – 41*
John Hughes – 34*
Larry Neff – 27
Eugene Buckingham – 50*
Jim Barrett – 46
Sal Sibio – 41
Stanley Jacukowicz – 34*
Bruce Balish – 26
Joseph W. Kizer Jr. – 50**
William D’Andrea – 46
Stanley Kraemer – 40
Donald Mancuso – 34
John Coats – 26
Giaccho (Bubba) Santerangelo – 46
Joseph P. Laggan – 40*
Robert Pugh – 34
Bill Duffy – 26
Richard Yates – 46**
Frank Ruszala – 40
Harold Quinn – 30**
Tena Hutton – 26
Robert (Skip) Tanner – 45
Helen J. Schneider – 40*
Thomas Kutzlo – 32
Marie James – 26
Richard Barako – 44
Harold Quinn – 39**
Bill Evans – 32**
Joseph Kizer – 26
Steve Casper – 44
James S. Seamans – 38*
Roger Nord – 31
Jeff Knapek – 26
Charlie Emmel – 44*
Ephraim Walton – 38**
Brian Reap – 31
Scott Knott – 26
Michael Gianzanti – 44*
Darrell Getz – 37 **
Robert Connolly – 30
Joe McGraw – 26
Preston Jones – 44**
Paul Heichelbeck – 37**
Richard Galyean –30
Rick Utegg – 26
Ronald J. Moss – 44*
James C. Heilig – 37*
Joseph Gilotti – 30**
Charles D. Brown – 25*
Steve Prendergast – 44
Frank Klemens – 37**
Paul Lawatsch – 30
John Dawson – 25
Don Sinabaldi – 44
Walter Miller – 37**
Charles Lieck – 30*
Margretta Lewert – 25**
Robert Capwell – 43
Ben F. Sartor – 37*
Nancy M. Lynch – 29
Janice Reichard – 25*
Victor Kashinsky – 43**
Stanley J. Schwartz – 37*
Jim Steckbeck – 29*
Paul Slifka – 25*
John Kozak – 43*
Thomas White – 37
Jack Straub – 29*
Joseph Manzo – 43**
William Payne – 36
Monica Nichols – 28*
William Phillips – 43**
Ralph Sinabaldi – 36**
Harvey Pogach – 28
John J. Wharton – 43**
Alan Andresen – 35*
James Bohn – 27*
Daniel Capwell – 42
Frank Balish – 35**
Albert Kepich Coleman – 27
George Crolly – 42
Walter B. Broydrick – 35**
Brian Feige – 27
Rich Kozak – 42
Alice Howells – 35*
Steve Foster – 27
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James S. Seamans - 3
Retired UGL Salesman9 Years -
* Retired
** Deceased
I was rep #13 in the entire company. They were a terrific bunch of men, always willing to help teach me
and each other. So why did it work? How did UGL make it 80 years? We even got through the 2nd
generation challenge. There are many reasons, in my opinion, that UGL has enjoyed 80 years of success.
One reason is the quality of the entire staff in Scranton, they were always rock solid. If I screwed something
up, they carried the ball for me, there was never a problem with an order, and they were fast and accurate.
Another powerful reason is the quality of our products, I never had a dealer discontinue a UGL product because
it was junk. When Mr. Payne and his staff agreed to develop a new product he approached it by saying in
his unique way "I want the best products brought into our lab, we'll tear them apart, test them etc. then we'll
make a better overall product than anybody else and only at that point will I discuss cost."” Quality, Quality,
Quality was always the goal. 80 years later it would appear he was right.
Charlie Emmel - 44 Years Retired - UGL Salesman
U N I T E D G I L S O N I T E L A B O R AT O R I E S
S c r a n t o n , PA • J a c k s o n v i l l e , I L • D a y t o n , N V • J a c k s o n , M S