Benjamin Moore & Co.
| Company type | Private (subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Paint and coatings |
| Predecessor | Moore Brothers |
| Founded | January 1, 1883 in New York, United States |
| Founder | Benjamin Moore, William Moore, Robert Moore |
| Headquarters | Montvale , United States |
Area served | Worldwide (over 75 countries) |
Key people | L.P. Moore (historical leader) |
| Products | Paints, stains, architectural coatings (brands include AURA, Regal, ben, Fresh Start, Ultra Spec, SCUFF-X, Corotech, Insl-X, Coronado, Notable Dry Erase Paint, Woodluxe, Super Hide) |
| Owner | Berkshire Hathaway |
| Parent | Berkshire Hathaway |
| Website | benjaminmoore |
Benjamin Moore & Co., commonly referred to as Benjamin Moore, stands as a prominent American producer of paints, stains, and architectural coatings. Established in 1883 in New York by Benjamin Moore together with his brothers William and Robert, the company is currently based in Montvale, New Jersey. It maintains key manufacturing and distribution facilities throughout the United States and Canada, with its products reaching customers in more than 75 countries worldwide.
The distribution of Benjamin Moore’s offerings is managed through independently owned retailers, which include specialty paint and decorating outlets, hardware stores, and cooperative groups such as Ace Hardware, Do it Best, and True Value. Its extensive product range features notable brands including AURA, Regal, ben, Fresh Start, Ultra Spec, SCUFF-X, Corotech, Insl-X, Coronado, Notable Dry Erase Paint, Woodluxe, and Super Hide.
Benjamin Moore, the company’s founder, was born in 1855 in Ballybay, County Monaghan, Ireland. He immigrated to the United States in 1872 and after acquiring experience in the industry, he and his brother William initiated the Moore Brothers enterprise with a $2,000 investment. The business was incorporated under the name Benjamin Moore in 1889. Expansion into Canada followed with the creation of Benjamin Moore & Co., Limited in 1906. Leadership passed to nephew L.P. Moore in 1917. The firm became part of Berkshire Hathaway in 2000, a move that strengthened its corporate framework and supported strategic growth.
With a solid foothold across North America and growing international activities, Benjamin Moore focuses on delivering high-quality products through an extensive retail network to sustain its competitive positioning and market share within the architectural coatings sector.
Accusations of racism
In June 2014, former employee Clinton Tucker filed a discrimination lawsuit against the company in New Jersey after he claimed termination resulted from objections he raised regarding two brown paint color names: "Tucker Chocolate," which had historical connotations, and "Clinton Brown." The lawsuit was eventually dismissed with prejudice.
Since 2019, artist Sonya Clark has incorporated a color previously named "Confederate Red"—also cited in Tucker’s legal action—as a representation of American racial history in her artwork. This particular shade was renamed "Patriot Red" in 2015.
Awards
- In 2020, J.D. Power recognized Benjamin Moore as #1 for Customer Satisfaction among Interior Paints based on Durability, Application ease, and Product Offerings.
External links
- Articles with short description
- Berkshire Hathaway
- Paint and coatings companies of the United States
- Retail companies of the United States
- Manufacturing companies based in New Jersey
- Companies based in Bergen County, New Jersey
- Montvale, New Jersey
- American companies established in 1883
- Chemical companies established in 1883
- Retail companies established in 1883
- 2000 mergers and acquisitions
- 1883 establishments in New Jersey
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment
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