MINNEAPOLIS/CHICAGO, US: The Valspar Corporation announced a long-term strategic supply relationship with Ace Hardware Corporation under which Valspar will manufacture and supply Ace-branded paint products as well as make a comprehensive line of Valspar-branded paints available to more than 4,000 Ace retail locations in the United States. In addition, the two companies announced that Valspar has acquired Ace Hardware’s paint manufacturing assets, including two manufacturing facilities located near Chicago.
The relationship combines Ace’s in-store service model and neighbourhood store footprint with Valspar’s national paint brand, manufacturing and distribution expertise, and technology. Ace customers can expect the same quality and performance from Ace-branded paint products while also benefitting from Valspar’s colour expertise, enhanced sales support for retailers and a competitively priced product assortment.
Valspar will immediately begin manufacturing and distributing Ace’s existing portfolio of Ace-branded paint products. Over the next year, Ace and Valspar will collaborate with retail owners to enhance their paint departments. Introduction of Valspar paint products is expected to begin in the fall of 2013. Ace will retain ownership of its existing paint brand trademarks, including Clark+Kensington and Ace Paint, but Valspar will manufacture Ace’s product lines exclusively for the retailer.
“Our agreement with Ace extends the Valspar brand while further strengthening and diversifying Valspar’s portfolio of industry-leading consumer paints in the North American market. This new business also positions Valspar well for further growth as the US housing market continues to recover,” said Gary Hendrickson, Chairman and CEO, Valspar.
© WOC News