Celebrating 160 Years of Legacy & Leadership
Founded in 1865, DAP is a leading manufacturer and supplier of caulks, sealants, foam insulation, adhesives, and patch & repair products with a history of first-to-market innovations.
Establishing Roots
DAP's origins date back to 1865, when Robert H. Dicks and Elmer Wiggins started manufacturing sealing wax for food canning in a garage in Dayton, Ohio. At a time when refrigeration and commercially prepared foods were not yet available, home canning was a common practice, driving high demand for their innovative product.
The Buy Out
In 1906, Dicks bought out Wiggim and partnered with George Pontius.
Dicks-Pontius Company
The Dicks-Pontius Company was established in 1913 when Dicks and Pontius formalized their partnership. After the passing of Robert Dicks, his son John joined the company and introduced new ventures by expanding operations to include the manufacturing of putty and caulk in bulk quantities.
The Revolution
The Dicks-Pontius Company transformed the home repair products market during the 1940s and 1950s with groundbreaking advancements in both marketing and product development. Notably, the company was instrumental in shifting the industry toward the use of disposable cartridges for packaging caulks and sealants, setting a new standard in convenience and efficiency.
Dicks-Armstrong-Pontius
During the 1950's, the company grew through several acquisitions, including a merger with the Chicago-based Armstrong Company in 1957. The resulting entity was renamed Dicks-Armstrong-Pontius, which was eventually shortened to the brand name DAP.
Latex Caulking Compounds
DAP maintained its commitment to innovation and growth by consistently introducing groundbreaking products and broadening its market presence. A significant milestone occurred in 1964, when the company revolutionized the industry with the creation of latex caulking compounds.
1865
Establishing Roots
DAP's origins date back to 1865, when Robert H. Dicks and Elmer Wiggins started manufacturing sealing wax for food canning in a garage in Dayton, Ohio. At a time when refrigeration and commercially prepared foods were not yet available, home canning was a common practice, driving high demand for their innovative product.
1906
The Buy Out
In 1906, Dicks bought out Wiggim and partnered with George Pontius.
1913
Dicks-Pontius Company
The Dicks-Pontius Company was established in 1913 when Dicks and Pontius formalized their partnership. After the passing of Robert Dicks, his son John joined the company and introduced new ventures by expanding operations to include the manufacturing of putty and caulk in bulk quantities.
1940
The Revolution
The Dicks-Pontius Company transformed the home repair products market during the 1940s and 1950s with groundbreaking advancements in both marketing and product development. Notably, the company was instrumental in shifting the industry toward the use of disposable cartridges for packaging caulks and sealants, setting a new standard in convenience and efficiency.
1957
Dicks-Armstrong-Pontius
During the 1950's, the company grew through several acquisitions, including a merger with the Chicago-based Armstrong Company in 1957. The resulting entity was renamed Dicks-Armstrong-Pontius, which was eventually shortened to the brand name DAP.
1964
Latex Caulking Compounds
DAP maintained its commitment to innovation and growth by consistently introducing groundbreaking products and broadening its market presence. A significant milestone occurred in 1964, when the company revolutionized the industry with the creation of latex caulking compounds.