|
R.M. Lucas Company was founded by
Robert M. Lucas in 1912. Our original manufacturing plant was located
at 1955 W. 31st Street in Chicago, Illinois. R.M. Lucas Co.
manufactured asphalt and oil based paints and coatings for railroads
and plastic asphalt cements for the waterproofing and repair of wooden
box cars. As asphalt began to replace coal tar as the primary bitumen
used in roofing, Lucas cements and coatings became accepted and widely
used in this new type of construction.
In 1954 the R.M. Lucas Co. plant
and trademark was purchased by Lawrence J. Barry and it became a
subsidiary of his company, Union Chemical and Oil Co., a manufacturer
of roof coatings, waterproofing and water treatment chemicals since
1935. The equipment, employees and technical knowledge of R.M. Lucas
Co. were transferred to the Union Chemical plant, located nearby at
3211 S. Wood Street, by the end of 1956.
In 1956, ownership of Union Chemical
& Oil and it’s subsidiary R.M. Lucas Co. passed to John L.
Barry from his father. Lucas products for railroads were gradually
discontinued as the company focused its efforts on the growing
low-slope asphalt roofing market. In particular, R.M. Lucas became
the primary supplier of high grade roof cements and coatings in the
Chicago market. The roofing products portion of the business was
successful to the degree that Union Chemical and Oil Co. was absorbed
by its R.M. Lucas Co. division in 1990. Production of water treatment
chemicals was ended in 1995 in order to allow a focus on, and
expansion of, the coatings operation.
R. M. Lucas Co. is now managed by a
third generation and is continuing to expand in the professional grade
coatings, adhesives & sealants market. We are expanding our network of distributors and
applicators throughout North America while increasing recognition of our premium brand.
We are constantly developing new and innovative products to solve the
challenges of evolving construction technology. A focus on quality products
for the professional contractor is the foundation of our company and
our plan for future success.
New Warehouse
an loading docks completed 2009. A 10.000 sq. ft. expansion will be constructed in Spring of 2012.
Please Click on "What's New" on the Menu to learn about what
we've been up to lately.
|
