Explore the history of Wilsonart’s innovation, growth, and geographic expansion: a company solely focused on providing surfacing materials and solutions that surpass the aspirations of our customers and set the standard for innovation in the markets where we operate.
1956 - Ralph Wilson Plastics Company was founded in 1956 by Mr. Ralph Wilson, Sr. in Temple, Texas.
Ralph Wilson Plastics Company purchases a 5’x12’ press; making Wilsonart the first in the industry to offer customers the material for two kitchen tops from one sheet, one pressing.
1975 - Wilsonart invents and patents Chemsurf®, which offers exceptional chemical resistance for Wilsonart® Laminate designs.
1984 - Wilsonart introduces Solicor® Colorthrough Decorative Laminate to the market; allowing designers to create surfaces with high performance characteristics and solid color throughout.
Ralph Wilson distribution facility opens in Mexico.
1996 - Wilsonart Limited, UK, is established in Shildon, England, to serve the European marketplace.
1997 - Resopal, the oldest manufacturer of High Pressure Laminate in Europe, is added to the Wilsonart family of brands.
1997 - Arborite, the industry innovator in High Pressure Laminates in Canada is added as Wilsonart continues to expand service into new areas.
June 1998 - Wilsonart establishes and begins manufacturing High Pressure Laminate in Shanghai and Thailand for the Asian market.
Oct 1998 Wilsonart Limited acquires Direct Worktops, the leading manufacturer of countertop components in the United Kingdom.
Polyrey, a leading manufacturer of decorative surfaces in France, is added, expanding Wilsonart's global footprint.
Wilsonart® HD® High Definition® Laminate is introduced with the addition of AEON™ - high-performance coating that extends the life and beauty of laminate with extra scratch, scuff, and stain resistance.
Wilsonart Resopal introduces Spa Styling waterproof panels engineered for wet spaces, in Western Europe.
Nov 2013 - Wilsonart completes purchase of Durcon, Inc., adding durable epoxy resin surfaces; ideal for laboratory, classroom, and research worktops because of their durability, chemical resistance, and fire/moisture resistance.
Feb 2014 - Resopal introduces Traceless® - the first fingerprint resistant laminate for commercial applications.
Nov 2014 - Wilsonart® introduces the Virtual Design Library - a curated collection of unique designs; and WilsonartXYou - one of a kind custom laminate are launched.
Jan 2015 - Wilsonart® Coordinated Surfaces is introduced - a suite of products (Wilsonart® High Pressure Laminate, TFL Panels, and Edgeband available in 237 designs that are the best matched products in the industry in both design and texture.
Jan 2015 - Wilsonart introduces Quartz with 50 exclusive designs for residential and commercial customers.
May 2016 - Arborite acquires Laminart®, Inc., a supplier of dinstinctive high pressure laminate, metals and wood veneer surfacing.
July 2016 - Wilsonart acquires Kara Board a manufacturer and seller of Karaboard brand decorative melamine boards, nuform high pressure laminates and Nu Door thermo-laminated doors and panels.
Nov 2016 - Wilsonart acquires Bushboard, a leading supplier of worktops and wall systems in the United Kingdom.
Feb 2017 - Wilsonart acquires TFL manufacturing in Oxford, MS (formerly Roseburg Forest Products assets).
Jul 2017 - Wilsonart and Hanwha L&C Corp. announce joint-venture agreement to build a manufacturing facility in Temple, TX supporting expansion and growth of the Wilsonart® Solid Surface and Hanex Solid Surfaces product lines.
Sep 2017 - Wilsonart acquires KML, manufacturer of decorative surfaces and panels.
Dec 2017 - Wilsonart acquires Shore Laminates and Mermaid Panels in the United Kingdom.
Jul 2018 - Wilsonart acquires Laminate Works Dallas division.