The Turtle Wax story started with the launch of the first-ever bottled car wax in 1946. More than 75 years later, America’s favorite car care brand is still capturing the attention of the auto appearance category as the No. 1* selling brand in spray wax, compounds, scratch removers, carpet care, bug removers and headlight restoration. With product distribution in more than 120 countries, the Turtle Wax brand resonates around the globe, but the brand’s heart remains in its hometown of Chicago, where award-winning innovation is developed to this day.
1930s
The Legacy Begins
Ben Hirsch invents liquid auto polish in the family bathtub.
PLASTONE IS PRODUCED
Plastone was produced in Chicago, Illinois, it was the first premium car polish.
1944
1946
TURTLE WAX FORMED
Plastone™ is renamed Turtle Wax® for its hard shell finish and The Turtle Wax company is formed.
TURTLE WAX ENTERS CONSUMER BRAND MARKETS
Turtle Wax capitalizes on the popularity of car wax and name recognition and enters consumer brand markets in hardware & grocery stores with innovation in shoe polish, rug shampoo, floor wax, and even a line of dessert toppings (Party Day brand).
1950s
1966
FIRST OVERSEAS MANUFACTURING FACILITY OPENS
Turtle Wax opens first overseas manufacturing facility in England. Death of founder Ben Hirsch.
BRAND EXPANSION
Minute Wax® - the first ever spray wax – is launched, effectively doubling the size and scale of Turtle Wax.
1982
1985
TURTLE WAX CAR WASHES
Turtle Wax creates Professional Products division to market products to the car wash industry.
GLOBAL EXPANSION
Turtle Wax expands its overseas presence by opening markets in China. Color Magic® is created to match the color shade of an automotive paint finish.
1990
1994
PRODUCT LAUNCH
Turtle Wax launches Hyper Concentrate® brand of professional products to the commercial car wash industry.
WELCOME TO THE ICE AGE
Turtle Wax introduces ICE® the first clear polish.
2006
2009
PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY
Turtle Wax introduces Headlight Lens Restorer Kit.
AWARD WINNING INNOVATION
Turtle Wax wins Product of the Year with Quick & Easy Dash & Glass.
2016
2018
TWO TIME AWARD WINNER
Turtle Wax wins Product of the Year with Power Out! Carpet & Mats Heavy Duty Cleaner
DECADE OF DEPTH
Innovative Jet Black techonology developed 10-years ago. Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Range is launched, effectively changing the game in car care.
2019
2020
HYBRID SOLUTIONS PRO
Hybrid Solutions PRO is launched with two products featuring a patent-pending graphene infusion that are the first of their kind.
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS
Turtle Wax celebrates their 75th birthday with launch of the Hybrid Solutions Ceramic-Graphene Paste Wax.
2021
