ABOUT US
History of HMG
Proven through history, committed to your success.
Every milestone in our story has been shaped by one focus: helping customers achieve better results with coatings they can trust. Our heritage isn’t just about where we’ve come from — it’s about the experience and authority we bring to solving your challenges today.
1980s
Supporting Industry Through Change
The 1980s were a time of transformation in industrial coatings. Many manufacturers across Northern Ireland relied on our paints to keep production moving, and as technologies evolved, so did their needs. We recognised early the potential of powder coatings as a cleaner, more efficient alternative to liquid systems. Working side-by-side with customers, we helped many businesses make that transition — whether fully or partially — to improve performance and sustainability.
In 1988, powder manufacturing began on our Castlereagh site. This was more than a new product line; it was a commitment to offering industry a future-ready solution that combined durability, reliability and ease of application.
1990s
Focusing on Powder Coatings
By the early 1990s, it was clear where the future lay. We streamlined operations to focus solely on powder technology, giving customers confidence that every resource, every bit of expertise, and every innovation was dedicated to coatings that simply worked.
This period also saw us formalise our commitment to standards. Achieving ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental responsibility, and introducing Qualicoat Class 1 products meant our customers could be assured of internationally recognised performance and compliance. These accreditations reflected not only what we made, but how we made it — with a focus on consistency, responsibility, and reliability.
2000s
Resilience and Commitment Through Turbulent Times
The early 2000s brought both growth and uncertainty. Our Midlands site, opened in 1999, continued to expand the reach of our technical knowledge and stock supply across Great Britain. Yet throughout the decade, economic pressures mounted, culminating in the global financial crisis of 2008.
Despite the tough climate, we stood resolute in our commitment to sound financial governance and in supporting our customers without compromise. While dozens of powder coating manufacturers across the UK and Ireland disappeared through bankruptcy or merger, we remained steadfast — ensuring stability of supply and continuity of service when customers needed it most.
By the end of the decade, the industry landscape had fundamentally changed. From many players, only a handful remained — and our resilience during this period reinforced our reputation as a trusted authority and long-term partner.
2010s
Growth Through Innovation and Global Partnerships
The following decade was one of organic growth, built on strong relationships and customer trust. We partnered with global manufacturers to deliver tailored coating solutions, ensuring their products met demanding performance and sustainability standards.
To stay ahead of customer needs, we invested heavily in new capability: expanding R&D facilities, strengthening our technical team, and innovating products that pushed the boundaries of efficiency, durability and application. This decade cemented our role not just as a supplier, but as a strategic partner to leading businesses across multiple sectors.
2020s
Strengthening Foundations for the Future
The 2020s began with global disruption as COVID-19 reshaped industries everywhere. While many supply chains faltered, our business remained secure — protecting continuity of supply for our customers.
We also took this period to restructure for the future, bringing the Midlands business into full ownership to streamline our operations and sharpen our focus. Alongside this, we committed significant investment in our people, recognising that the expertise, creativity and resilience of our team are what give customers confidence in the long run.
Today, we stand as the only powder coating manufacturer in Ireland and the UK’s largest independent supplier — but titles matter less than the trust we continue to build with every customer partnership. Our history has shaped us, but our purpose remains forward-looking: helping you deliver with confidence, every time.
Our history proves our resilience. Our future is built on trusted partnership.
We’ve stood alongside our customers through changing technologies, economic challenges and global disruption — providing the expertise and authority that give them confidence. That same commitment drives us today: partnering with you to deliver solutions that work, every time.