Profile.
Passion and creativity combined with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of natural mineral materials, are the reason for Armourcoat’s unrivalled reputation in the field of high quality surface finishes. Armourcoat has shown a unique ability to combine innovative application techniques and processes with an entirely natural product to create an extensive range of finishes suitable for both classical and contemporary architecture
History of Armourcoat Surface Finishes Ltd.
Armourcoat Surface Finishes Ltd is family owned and based in Sevenoaks, Kent, UK. Over the past 25 years Armourcoat has grown exponentially to become the world's foremost supplier of decorative polished plasters and a leading provider of innovative surface finishes and sculptural effects.
1983
From beginnings in specialist rackets court hard wall plaster, expertise in hard plaster technology and highly prized craftsmanship has led Armourcoat to capture over 80% of the world market for fast moving ball sports, whether racquet, squash or real tennis.
1988
Armourcoat creates a revival in the in the ancient technique of polished plaster, devising stunning new compositions and application techniques. The company completes its first project for Barclays Bank in the City of London.
1990
Armourcoat devises a range of techniques to offer a unique range of textures and finishes.
1997
Extensive research and development and the introduction of a computerized pigmentation system enables accurate reproduction and a truly kaleidoscopic range of colours.
1998
Customised polished plaster finishes are augmented by the launch of the Selector Range of fully repeatable finishes. This unrivalled range comprises 72 colours which, when combined with the various textures and surface effects available, provides over 350 different finishes – the largest standard range of polished plaster available in the world today.
2000
The company launches Duturo, a completely seamless stone-like finish and a genuine breakthrough in high-volume cost effective wall finishes.
Armourcoat begins exporting decorative plaster products.
2001
Another significant milestone in the history of polished plaster is reached with the launch of ArmourCast, which allows polished plasters to be enjoyed as sculpted 3D forms and extended to applications the ancients could never have dreamed of.
2004
The introduction of Armourcoat USA Inc. marks the development of the global brand and underscores the ability to effectively service world-wide clients. In September the introduction of Armourcoat Middle East increases the pace of global growth.
Armourcoat wins BIDA ‘Best Product’ Award at Decorex.
2005
Introduction Armourcoat Asia and Armourcoat India accelerates the growth of the global network with sales into 45 countries worldwide.
Armourcoat Group CEO Guy Whitehead wins ‘Kent Businessman of the Year’ Award.
2006
Armourcoat launches new ArmourColor range at 100% Design. Comprises of three finishes, ArmourColor offers a seamless, hardwearing, creative and inspirational design alternative to wallpaper and vinyl wall coverings. The launch represents a significant new direction for the global brand offering clients a far broader range of decorative surface solutions.
Armourcoat wins ‘Kent Company of the Year’ Award.
2007
Armourcoat launches new ArmourCast seamless wall finishes at 100% Design. The creative possibilities demonstrated the unique benefits of this exceptional product.
Armourcoat wins Mixology ‘New Market Breakthrough’ Award for ArmourColor.
Armourcoat Group CEO wins Institute of Director’s ‘South East Director of the Year’ Award.
2008
ArmourColor launched in North America at PACE expo in Los Angeles to critical success.
Armourcoat underlines its ability to carry out landmark commercial projects with the completion of The Darwin Centre Phase Two project (‘The Cocoon’), a new extension of the Natural History Museum in London. Taking the form of an enormous cocoon, the unique eight-story high structure houses the world's largest collection of plant and insect specimens, collected over the last 300 years by scientists including Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace and Sir Hans Sloane. Armourcoat worked closely with C.F.Møller architects of Denmark on this original project, creating an innovative design solution for the outer insulation layer to the cocoon. Employing 5.6 kilometres of custom-designed beading, the structure was finished with 3,500m2 of honed Armuralia polished plaster, expertly finished by Armourcoat craftsmen.
Armourcoat relaunches Group website to offer even more creative inspiration for global architects, designers and specifiers.