Simoniz

Overview

Simoniz is an American manufacturer of automobile and janitorial cleaning products, operating since 1911 as the world's oldest car appearance brand. The company manufactures a diverse product line serving commercial vehicle washing, professional detailing, retail vehicle appearance, and institutional cleaning markets. Simoniz products are widely used in hospitals, nursing homes, food service establishments, manufacturing plants, school systems, and the hospitality industry, with distribution predominantly in the eastern United States and nationally and internationally.

History

Founded in 1910 by George Simons and Elmer Rich of the Great Northern Railway, Simoniz began as the first American car wax company with products named Simon's Cleaner and Simon's Paste Wax. The company was acquired by Morton International in 1965, then by Union Carbide in 1976, and subsequently became part of First Brands Corp. in 1986 following Union Carbide's divestiture. In 1997, Syndet Products purchased the Simoniz brand from First Brands Corp. and established Simoniz USA, Inc., which remains the operating entity today.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Simoniz operates world-class chemical manufacturing facilities with distribution centers around the United States. The company manufactures products in-house and distributes both nationally and internationally, with operations predominantly in the eastern half of the United States.

Notable Products

• GlassCoat - Specialized coating program for new car dealerships
• FixIT! Car Scratch Remover - Direct response product promoted as an 'As Seen on TV' item that became the #1 direct response product in the U.S.
• Vista One-Step Cleaner/Wax - Combination cleaner and wax product introduced in 1957
• Simoniz II - Advanced car wax formulation from the Union Carbide era
• MotoTect - Dealership protection and appearance program

Reputation

Simoniz is recognized as a legendary brand with a century-plus heritage in automotive care, positioning itself as synonymous with excellence in car appearance products. The brand maintains strong recognition among professional detailers and commercial car wash operators, though it competes in a crowded market with established competitors like Meguiar's and Armor All. The company's longevity and institutional presence in janitorial and commercial cleaning markets provide credibility, though consumer awareness of the Simoniz brand has diminished compared to its historical prominence in the automotive aftermarket.