In 1965, a group headed by Billy G. Dabbs and William Girdwood purchased F & H, a small South El Monte manufacturer. Spectra-Tone officially became the company name in 1973, and during the next 20 years expanded into nine western states, Alaska, Hawaii, western Mexico, Guam, and the Independent States of Micronesia. Prior to the untimely death of Billy Dabbs, his cousin, James Dabbs, purchased his stock and became president of the corporation.
In 1986, Spectra-Tone purchased controlling interest in Pioneer Paint, a Tucson paint manufacturer with three company-owned stores. Larry Henderson, a Pioneer Paint of Arizona stockholder, became president and has expanded the operation to four stores.
Jim Goolsby joined the firm, as Vice President of Stores, in 1996. Since then, we have developed a chain of Spectra-Tone stores located in California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.
A substantial increase in business necessitated a move to a larger facility. Spectra-Tone, in 1996, purchased a large, modern 60,800 square foot paint plant, on 5 acres. The plant is strategically located in San Bernardino, CA.
During the 1990’s, Spectra-Tone developed the Yukon line of products. These were engineered for areas experiencing harsh climates, and have become well accepted, particularly in Alaska.
The purchase of Republic Paint, a label dedicated to the entertainment industry, created a new and exciting sales dimension in 2001.
In 2002, Spectra-Tone was named a West Coast Distributor for Insl-x Products Corporation. This provided a new sales opportunity.
In 2003, Rodney Jones accepted the position as Vice President, International Sales. As a result of his efforts, Spectra-Tone business in China, Guam, Independent States of Micronesia, and Mexico has increased dramatically. He is also developing a new department, Government Sales.
In 2003, Spectra-Tone purchased Horizon Paint, a Salt Lake City manufacturer with 3 outlets.
Spectra-Tone, a composite of businesses including company owned stores, independent distribution, Republic Artisan Finishes, Yukon Finishes, and Pioneer Paint, now is a multi-faceted marketing and distribution program.
As evidenced by diversification, Spectra-Tone is dedicated to the principle of expansion from a multi-platform perspective. At each level of distribution, the direction has but one goal – the distribution of quality architectural finishes, industrial coatings, spray equipment, and sundries. Although evolving dynamics necessitated change, it was done judiciously and in a manner to preserve the integrity of independent distribution and the maintenance of superior responsiveness and flexibility.
Spectra-Tone is a long-time member of Color Guild International and Guild CPO. These represent groups of USA, International, and regional paint manufacturers. As a member of Color Guild International, Spectra-Tone has the use advantage of a proprietary color system – Millennium. This is recognized as state of the art in the paint industry. The function of Guild CPO is purchasing advantages and shared technology.
For MSDS and Technical Data Sheets for both Spectra-Tone and Insl-x products, go to our Products page.
Spectra-Tone maintains and operates a fleet of tractor-trailers. Delivery is made virtually to any point in the Western seven states on a weekly basis. Service, via our trucks, guarantees prompt delivery, flexibility, job drops, virtually no damage, and truck to store courteous service.
Computer assisted warehouse management assures prompt, accurate delivery. Statistically, zeros have been kept to 3/4 of 1%. Communication is maintained in situations where irregularities occur or special handling is required.
Research and Development -- The quality and performance of Spectra-Tone products are well recognized. The company has to its credit a long list of achievements. The development, manufacture, and distribution of elastomerics, high performance production products, NO VOC finishes, water reducible lacquer, epoxy ester primers, and many more, are a result of an active, aggressive research program. Modification flexibility to meet specific climatic or application requirements, provide superior on-the-job results.
As a business associate, Spectra-Tone provides credit counseling, extended terms accounts, job accounts, and project financing.
In the best interest of Spectra-Tone paint distribution, we are determined to capitalize on ALLPRO membership. ALLPRO is the nation's largest sundry-purchasing entity. We are able to utilize nationally negotiated contracts. Through Spectra-Tone's CPO (Central Purchasing Office) Program, products are purchased and drop-shipped to the distributor. This way, the distributor can take advantage of the national contract buying. The only penalty is a 5% up-charge to finance the CPO office and its staff. A continuous effort is made to enhance better buying through aggressive, cooperative negotiations.
Careful attention is given by the laboratory to every phase of the manufacturing process to assure that strict controls are in place. Quality control includes color matching, ingredient analysis, viscosity, and performance characteristics. A retain from each batch is kept, as well as the formulas, batch tickets, release physical properties, and release draw-downs. Inquiries regarding any batch can be obtained immediately.
Computers, office equipment, and knowledgeable, polite people provide the communication links so necessary in providing information and processing order quickly, efficiently, and accurately. A toll free line and fax service assures access to anyone in the company. Technical inquiries, product source, distributorship availability, order processing delivery schedules, etc., will be handled courteously and promptly.
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