Established for over 50 years, at Tor our passion for making buildings better has only grown and evolved over time.
We are privileged to be among the few UK manufacturers in business long enough to see out our own warranties.
And, decades of knowledge, technical leadership, and a commitment to delivering the best results means that our products truly are tried, tested and trusted – offering high-performance protection you can rely on.
From first beginnings in the 1970s to a future of research and innovation, discover the story of Tor to learn more the ongoing evolution of our range of high-performance coatings
1970s
Foundations – In 1975 Tor Coatings was founded by Alan Turner, Gordon Carr and Guy Redman, three colleagues working together with a goal to become the best in the field of coating systems.
Anti-Graffiti – Tor Coatings initial focus was on anti-graffiti systems, a trail-blazing concept for the time and offering a unique solution to an age-old issue for communal buildings, council-run spaces and corporate facilities alike.
Fire Protection- By the late 1970s Tor had progressed further into the emerging communal area coatings market and had expanded their offer to introduce fire protection systems. The new high-performance systems were designed to provide protection in tower blocks, holding back the spread of flames in corridors and stairwells.
1980s & 1990s
Waterproofing – The arrival of the 1980s heralded another advancement in Tor Coatings as they moved into the waterproofing market, launching some of the first innovative, liquid-applied roof and balcony systems in the UK.
Cladding – By the 90s, with 25 years in the industry Tor Coatings was well established and trusted for providing high-quality coatings with expert and reliable support. And to continue this growth, in the 1990s the company added cladding systems to their portfolio as well as a range of protective and industrial coatings.
2000s
Rust-Oleum – In 2007, Tor had become one of the largest specialist coatings manufacturers in the UK. This came to the attention of Rust-Oleum Europe, part of RPM Inc, who acquired Tor Coatings in that year. This provided a backbone of investment and new products for the company.
Distribution Centre – Turnover reached £63million in 2019, with investment in Tor Coatings for that year totalling over £27million. This included a brand new, purpose-built distribution centre and head office, the introduction of SAP and the commissioning of a new aerosol filling line.
Tor Products
Elastaseal Z – Innovative technology delivers fast and long-lasting waterproofing for flat roofs, and gutters. Liquid-applied, and zero-odour Elastaseal Z can be installed quickly and efficiently, with minimal disruption to the facility or building inhabitants. Its seamless, joint-free waterproof barrier provides flexible and tough protection for up to 30 years. Find out more.
Unicover – From pitched roofs and internal walls to cladding and cut-edge corrosion, the Unicover cladding coatings range has a state-of-the-art solution. Fast-curing, easy to apply and available in colour-matched shades, Unicover offers up to 20 years of protection and a cost-effective way to extend the lifespan of facility roofs and walls. Find out more.
Elastadeck – An intelligent and fast-curing waterproof coating for balconies and walkways, Elastadeck offers the fastest installation time in the market. It’s low-odour system creates a seamless waterproof barrier, slip resistant and tough enough for high-traffic communal areas. Find out more.
Torrex 3 – Designed to meet Euroclass B requirements, the Torrex 3 fire upgrading coating system offers superior fire protection for interior communal spaces, stairwells and fire escapes. Engineered to hold back flames and give residents more time to evacuate safely, its formula ensures long-lasting protection within need for frequent reapplications. Find out more.
What’s Next?
Dedicated to forging a future through innovation, Tor has its own research and development lab.Here, some of the best chemists in the sector ensure each and every high-performance product consistently exceeds industry standards as well as looking ahead to the next innovation in specialist protective coatings.
If you’d like to learn more about any of Tor’s specialist systems, need some technical support or have a question, our team of experts are here to help. Get in touch to speak to someone today.