ABOUT US
The year 2025 marks 133 years of service for Atlas Minerals & Chemicals. And as we look back on our history with pride, we also look forward to the future with a spirit of enthusiasm. Today, Atlas is regarded as a leader in the field of corrosion-resistant construction materials, Epoxybond repair putties, industrial asphalts, and industrial specialty compounds. This recognition is based on a solid background including a number of industry “firsts” in the field of non-metallic, corrosion-resistant construction materials. The following provides an overview of our progress since 1892, as well as our commitment to the many challenges ahead.
For our full product line go to:
www.atlasmin.com
Every Atlas product reflects its innovative spirit and century’s long experience — a unique combination of vision and capability that makes for a true industry leader.
OUR HISTORY
1892
Atlas was founded in Lincoln, N.J., by Maximillian F. Wirtz, who began grinding and selling red shale for coloring pigment.
1907 -
1949
1907 Company expanded to manufacture a line of refractory cements composed of refractory clays.
1910 Atlas began manufacturing a hot-poured asphalt sewer joint compound known as G-K.
1917 Wirtz moved his operation to Mertztown, Berks County, to be near raw materials needed to meet production demands.
1930 Developed the first chemically plasticized hot-pur sulfur cement, called MINERALEAD.
1935 Introduced VITROBOND®, the first plasticized hot-pour sulfur cement for bonding brickwork used in pickling tanks. (This established direction for future growth in the field of controlling industrial corrosion.)
1936 Red shale acid-proof brick was developed with Belden Brick Company.
1937 Patented CARBO-KOREZ®, THE FIRST American chemical-resistant organic resin cement.
1937 First polyvinyl chloride-based coating, ZEROK, was patented.
1938 Patented NEOBON, the first neoprene coating.
Mid-1940’s Extensive research in resin chemistry (spurred by the industrial needs of our country during WWII). Also developed new construction methods for non-metallic corrosion-resistant construction materials including dual cement and modified dual cement systems. In addition, interlocking expansion joints for brick-lined tanks were developed.
1949 Introduced ALFANE, the first epoxy mortar in the U.S.
1950 -
1999
1951 Developed VITROPLAST, the first polyester mortar for use in the construction of CIO2 towers in the pulp and paper industry.
1952 Developed FURNANE® System to protect food plant floors from acids, alkaline detergents, cleaning agents and corrosives.
1956 Acquired by the Industrial Group division of Electric Storage Battery Company, an international company manufacturing a variety of industrial and consumer products.
1956 Introduced REZKLAD® epoxy floor topping.
1964 Formed two new sales divisions (Consumer Products and Industrial OEM Products) geared toward marketing diversification.
1966 Developed FURATHANE®, the first high bond furan mortar.
1967 New product development laboratory designed to keep Atlas competitive and in the forefront of technology.
1968 Patented REZKLAD® epoxy emulsion concrete repair material.
1970 Introduced water washable grout for tile floors.
1976 Designed CHEMPRUF® lining systems for the protection of tanks and floors.
1978 Employees purchased the company from ESB.
1987 CHEMPRUF® 100 series of reinforced coatings added to product line.
1996 Introduced REZKLAD® HP (High Performance) Water Washable Grout, now known simply as REZKLAD® HP Grout.
1998 Developed ATLASTIC® 55 Sheet Membrane for industrial vessels.
2000 -
Today
2000 Marketed ANCHOR-LOK®, a thermoplastic sheet lining system for concrete protection.
2004 Developed moisture-tolerant products Rezklad E-Concrete Primer MT, ATLAS GC Primer and Red Furnane Setting Bed MT for application on “green” and damp concrete.
2010 Formulated REZKLAD® E-Hi Build 115 C, a 100% carbon-filled, novolac epoxy coating.
2018 Originated REZKLAD® N STRUCTURAL GROUT, a novolac epoxy based pourable setting and grouting compound. The self-leveling and flow characteristics make this material ideal for concrete and masonry structure repairs.
2020 Formulated ATLASTACRETE® SR, a novolac epoxy polymer concrete. The system is ideal for pour-in-place and precast applications requiring optimal chemical resistance.
2021 Introduced EPOXYBOND® POOL PUTTY SINGLE STICK. The smaller package sizes are ideal for DIY users and small repairs while complementing our industry leading POOL PUTTY tubes.