Lesonal, Akzo Nobel's great-finish, great-value brand, is celebrating its 150th birthday this year.

Originally founded in Germany in 1858, during its 150 year history Lesonal has pioneered several breakthroughs in paint development, including the introduction of nitro-cellulose paint for the automotive industry, the first baking enamel for the automotive industry, the introduction of polyester knifing products and the first true international value-for-money refinish paint system.

After becoming part of Akzo Nobel in the 1980s, the brand was developed to introduce the professional bodyshop high-quality paint at a competitive price. Launched in 1995 across Europe and North America, today Lesonal provides customers worldwide with a well-established and affordable refinish paint system. Developed to provide the right tools for smooth and efficient workflow, Lesonal products are designed to enhance the professional performance and profitability of the bodyshop.

"No other paint brand matches Lesonal in terms of our heritage and expertise," comments Peter Daly, Akzo Nobel’s Irish C.E. "With years of experience in meeting bodyshop requirements, Lesonal offers the perfect solution - a first-class product portfolio and exceptional value for money."

Some historical notes on Lesonal
1858: The company’s origins date from this year, when a German pharmacist called Christian Lechler decided to sell paint instead of pharmaceutical products.
1871: The company changes its name to 'Christian Lechler and Sohn Nachf'. It is very successful with paint for boats, coaches, furniture and home decoration.
1961: Now one of the largest paint manufacturers in Europe, the company was renamed Lesonal as an amalgam of 'LEchler & SOhn NAchf L.'
1964: With the introduction of the 'Lesonal Tempocolour' mixing system painters were now able to mix colours themselves.
1968: The Dutch company, Akzo, acquired Lesonal.
1974: Lesonal was the first company to develop a waterborne primer for the industry. The company also opened a Colour Centre, the first of 500, where small bodyshops could easily purchase high-quality paint.
1991: By now, Lesonal had the highest distribution coverage of all paint manufacturers.
1995: The brand is marketed worldwide.
2002: Lesonal introduces Lesonal Basecoat WB, WB standing for water-borne system, based on the latest pigment dispersion technology.
2003: Lesonal introduces Lesonal Basecoat SB, the letters standing for solvent-borne, a state-of-the-art basecoat.
2007: Continuing their policy of developing compact and user-friendly paint systems, Lesonal introduces its ready-to-spray aerosol range.
2008: Today Lesonal is using its 150 years’ experience to continue to innovate, bringing you a successful and reliable car refinishing brand.