Loctite’s origin is a modern industrial fairy-tale. It is the story of Vernon Krieble, a retired chemistry professor, who persuaded his son Robert in the 1950s to leave a well-payed management job and become co-founder of a start-up. Their business model was based on a technical discovery for which no apparent need existed: a substance that solidifies within minutes in the absence of air. They called the new technology “anaerobic” and their vision was to introduce it into the metalworking industries to prevent machine parts from loosening or leaking. What they were proposing to designers, engineers and maintenance managers came close to heresy: they offered them a non-mechanical solution for a mechanical problem! The Kriebles overcame the reservations to this “alien” technology and made their invention a success: Within ten years, Loctite became a state-of-the-art method for bonding, sealing or locking metal parts.
Thriving on missions impossible
The pioneering spirit of the founders fit well with Henkel, so that the company was fully purchased by Henkel in 1997. Today’s Loctite teams still pride themselves on offering solutions to seemingly impossible problems customers can rely on. They create new markets by finding opportunities others overlook. Their brand promise is ambitious: “We unlock the limitless potential of man and machine.” Their commitment is strong: Loctite teams help customers unlock new value beyond current capabilities. They do this by selling expertise-driven solutions for bonding, sealing, and coating applications.
Some of Loctite’s best-known adhesive solutions are threadlockers, which prevent screws and bolts from loosening.
A strong companion for industrial customers and consumers
This passionate commitment pays off: Loctite is the global leader in high-performance adhesives, sealants and surface treatments. Loctite products are used in 800 different industries and applications, including aerospace, agricultural, oil, microelectronics, medical, and automotive. The original anaerobic technology remains the core of the business. However, many people know Loctite for its “cyanoacrylates.” Loctite sells these strong, fast-acting adhesives under the name Super Glue, known as Pattex in Germany. The leading DIY tool brings simplicity to consumers, craftsmen, and their projects.
For more information on Loctite Products, call or visit your local Northern Metalic today!
