Company News

Success Story behind One of America’s Largest Molding Brands

Quarryville, PA (April, 2017) – In Lancaster County, businesses take on a role deeper than employer. They provide a sense of pride as a piece of their home town neatly lines retail shelves across the country. They provide secure jobs that foster the economic stability necessary for families to live and thrive in the community they love. They inspire future generations.

These are responsibilities Stoner, Inc, a leading manufacturer headquartered in Quarryville, Pa., does not take lightly. The third-generation, family-owned company has been manufacturing in Lancaster County since 1942 and is the name behind international brands including Invisible Glass, the #1 selling automotive glass cleaner.

“My grandfather started Stoner, Inc and grew the business with hard work and integrity,” said Robert Ecklin, Jr., President of Stoner Inc. “But what I noticed the most is how important he considered employees and customers to the success of the business.  He was always working hard to bring value added solutions to both. These are values we continue to build on today.”

Throughout the past 75 years, Stoner, Inc. has based its business philosophy on the namesake values of founder, Paul Stoner rooting the business in quality, honest work, integrity, and a commitment to serving customers.

Dedication to quality and performance has lead Stoner Inc. to produce the #1-selling automotive glass cleaner, the first automotive aerosol shine dressing, become the world’s largest manufacturer of rotational mold release agents, and one of the smallest companies ever to win the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

Stoner is a leading manufacturer in household, professional, and industrial cleaning products; professional and consumer automotive appearance products; and mold release agents. Stoner products are distributed throughout North America and internationally in over 50 countries.

About Paul Stoner

Born in 1914 on a farm in Lancaster County, Pa., Paul Stoner learned the value of persistence and hard work early in life after losing both parents by the age of 12.

With an education in chemistry from local Franklin & Marshall College, Paul stoner developed Stoner’s Ink Company specializing in printing inks. While working part time with a local tire retread plant, Paul Stoner saw a need for a faster and safer way to manufacture and retread rubber tires. The first Stoner mold release agent was devolved as a result.

Paul Stoner’s commitment to excellence led to business partnerships with Ford, GM, and IBM who turned to Stoner for lubrication and cleaning solutions. Stoner’s work with automobile manufacturers led him to produce products that would clean and protect the outside of vehicles including the first aerosol shine dressing and America’s #1-selling automotive glass cleaner. Many of Paul’s original formulas are still in use today.

Company Highlights

1942 Paul Stoner opens Stoner’s Ink Company specializing in the production of printing inks.

1942 Paul Stoner develops his first mold release agent for rubber after working with a local tire retread plant.

1950s Paul development in mold release agents grows and he is one of the first American manufacturers to pioneer advancements in aerosol production.

1950s Paul explores advancements in glass care formulations developing Glass Glo, the company’s launch into the glass care industry.

1960s America’s leading automotive and electronic companies such as Ford, GM, and IBM turn to Stoner for lubrication and cleaning solutions.

1960s Paul Stoner begins to formulate products to clean and protect automobiles.

1970s Paul Stoner develops the first aerosol shine dressing, called No-Rub Polish, a quick hit with car dealers looking to save time and improve the appearance and resale value of used vehicles.

1986 Stoner Inc. is purchased by Paul Stoner’s grandson, Robert Ecklin, Jr. who grew up working at the business with his grandfather at an early age.

1986 Paul Stoner passes away.

1997 Stoner Car Care becomes available around the country on the retails shelves of Pep Boys placing Stoner Car Care among the top brands in the industry.

2000 Stoner Molding Solutions grows with the acquisition of Zip, “The Molder’s Edge.”

2003 Stoner Inc. becomes the smallest company ever to win the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

2004 Stoner Invisible Glass becomes the #1-selling automotive glass cleaner.

2004 Stoner Molding Solutions continues to grow adding Nix Stix to their brand offerings.

2007 Stoner opens a second location in Lancaster County, Pa. providing a dedicated warehouse to offer flexible delivery options.

2008 Stoner Molding Solutions acquires Releasomers water-based mold release agents.

2009 Invisible Glass home and car care products debut on QVC, the world’s top multimedia shopping company, demonstrating the streak-free formula live on TV to over 80 million households.

2013 Stoner Molding Solutions continues to grow as Stoner acquires TraSys making Stoner the largest manufacturer of rotational mold release agents.

2014 Stoner Molding Solutions grows within the Composites industry acquiring Specialty Products Company, manufacturer of the renowned, Honey Wax.

2015 Stoner acquires Motsenbocker’s Lift Off expanding within the environmentally-sustainable category. The product line offers water-based, biodegradable, and low or no VOC stain, paint, varnish, and caulk removers for household and professional use.

2016 Stoner becomes the exclusive North American distributor of the popular automotive air freshener, Little Joe, bringing the iconic European brand to the US market.