Profile.
Armourcoat celebrates 25 years of creative excellence in 2011, from its beginning in racket sport impact plasters to luxurious polished and textured plaster wall finishes. From the manufacture and specification of these specialist products, the company has a wealth of experience and technical expertise in the supply of high performance wall finishes.
As a leading manufacturer of decorative plaster, innovative surface finishes and sculptural effects, Armourcoat has become an integral part of some of the world’s most prestigious architectural interiors. Our finishes have created stunning interiors for the country’s leading architects and designers; including luxury hotels and resorts, boutique retail, large-scale commercial and high-end residential clients in an extensive project list. Recent projects include the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa in the Middle East, and the unique Darwin Cocoon at London’s Natural History Museum.
Since 2001, Armourcoat has concentrated on the development and expansion of its export operation and product divisions. This reflected a new direction for the Armourcoat business, evolving from a specialist supplier to a global decorative coatings Group. A family owned business, Armourcoat manages a UK contracting division and global export network to over seventy countries.
History of Armourcoat Ltd.
Armourcoat 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.
1986
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
Armourcoat appoints Guy Whitehead as CEO.
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.
2003
Armourcoat appoints Vincent O'Brien as Contracts Manager and Shawn Tweedy as Chief Chemist.
2004
Armourcoat appoints Daniel Nevitt as Marketing Manager.
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. The launch represents a significant new direction for the global brand offering clients a far broader range of decorative surface solutions.
Armourcoat wins KBA ‘Kent Company of the Year’ Award.
2007
Armourcoat wins Mixology ‘New Market Breakthrough’ Award for ArmourColor.
Armourcoat Group CEO Guy Whitehead wins Institute of Directors' ‘South East Director of the Year’ Award.
2008
Daniel Nevitt, Shawn Tweedy and Vincent O'Brien join the company Board, as Marketing, Technical and Contracts Directors respectively.
Armourcoat Group CEO Guy Whitehead wins Institute of Credit Management 'Credit Professional of the Year'.
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.
Armourcoat relaunches Group website to offer even more creative inspiration for global architects, designers and specifiers.
2009
Armourcoat Sculptural launched, a landmark product for the expanded Group.
Armourcoat forms Armourcoat Surface Finishes (ASF) Inc. The new venture is a subsidiary of Armourcoat and heads up the operation in North America. Shawn Tweedy appointed as Chief Operating Officer of ASF Inc. Daniel Nevitt appointed Chief Marketing Officer to oversee ASF inc. marketing operations in the USA.
Armourcoat is finalist in Grand Designs 'Best Surface and Finish' Award for Sculptural
Armourcoat is finalist in Mixology 'Best Marketing Campaign' for Sculptural
2010
ASF inc. introduces ArmourCast External to the US market at HD Expo Las Vegas - an external grade architectural cast product.
Armourcoat Group CEO Guy Whitehead wins West Kent Business Excellence - 'Outstanding Business Person' Award.
2011
Armourcoat are awarded the first sub-licence to manufacture Ductal pre-cast elements in the UK. Developed by Lafarge, Ductal is a Ultra-High Performance Concrete.
Armourcoat manages a global agent network of over 50 companies operating in 80 countries.
Armourcoat celebrates 25 years of creative excellence.
2012
Armourcoat establishes pre-cast manufacturing facilities in Middle East and Far East to ensure speed and efficiency of response.