Startup spirit since 1919
Kiilto is a growing, family-owned company, with over a hundred-year history. We develop, produce and sell chemical industry solutions in four business areas: construction, industrial adhesives and fireproofing, professional hygiene and consumer goods. We employ around 800 innovative professionals, Kiiltonians, in 9 countries. We take pride in our own research, development and innovation functions, which are the base for the agile and valuable cooperation with our customers.
Our story began in 1919, in a small factory producing hair tonic and shoe polish in the Pispala district of Tampere, Finland.
Almost everything was in short supply back then. When goods could not be imported, resourceful people founded companies to make them. That is also how Kiilto saw daylight.
Did you know?
The name Kiilto (Finnish word for gloss), was invented by our employees back in the day, and it’s descriptive of our original products: paints, polishes, wax and adhesives for shoe factories and spirit lacquers and polishes for furniture factories?
Replacing the old methods
Kiilto’s first owner was an industrious ‘ideas man’, who quickly realised which products and customers were important to his factory. He started playing with the idea of producing adhesives for the shoe industry, which had excellent market potential. Gluing would replace traditional mechanical methods of fixing materials together, creating a clean and tidy result.
Construction adhesives kicked off with the breakthrough of adhesive floor coverings in the 1930s. As materials and methods developed, demand and the number of applications grew in construction and various other industries.
In addition, adhesion was increasingly viewed as a comprehensive process, involving a number of phases in addition to gluing. This motivated Kiilto to expand its product selection.
The story of sustainable growth
Later our business has evolved into new business areas and new countries, creating new innovations. Today we are looking far into the future and have a constant drive to reinvent ourselves, in order to grow sustainably.
Our operations are guided by a strong commitment to the future and the drive to be an environmental leader in our industry and an expert partner for our customers.
Kiilto timeline since 1919
1919
Foundation
On 27th October 1919, Teknokemiallinen Tehdas O/Y Santalahti is founded in Pispala,Tampere. 1924 the company is named Kiilto Oy.
1930
Number one in shoe polishes
At first, the company makes cosmetic substances for chemists, paints, polishes, waxes and adhesives for shoe factories and spirit lacquers and polishes for furniture makers.
1961
Focus on adhesives
In the 1960s, the company decides to focus on the production of adhesives. Adhesive-related products are also included in the selection.
1983
Expansion into cleaning sector
The company expands into the cleaning sector by including cleaning products in the product range. Extensive customer training begins.
1987
Internationalisation
The first international subsidiary is established in Sweden. Today there are international subsidiaries already in 9 countries.
2010
Cleanliness and hygiene business grows
Kiilto’s cleanliness and hygiene business expands into new business areas.
2017
New business: flame retardants
Kiilto’s industrial business expands. Environmentally friendly flame retardants are created through product development.
2018
Swedish TM Progress becomes part of Kiilto
Floor coating expertise increases through the transaction. New business operations are also built in Finland.
2018
Kiilto brand and logo revamped
Four business areas of Kiilto: construction, industrial adhesives and fireproofing, professional hygiene as well as consumer business. The Kiilto Pro product and service brand for professionals is launched as part of the change.
2019
Kiilto becomes leading supplier of hygiene solutions in the Nordic
Kiilto acquires CCS Healthcare Holding AB and becomes a market leader in hand and surface disinfecton solutions in Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
Kiilto logo throughout the times
