Seymour Founder Edward H. Seymour Inducted into Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame

Honoring the Inventor Who Changed the Way the World Paints

Seymour of Sycamore is proud to announce that founder Edward H. Seymour and Seymour of Sycamore have been inducted into the Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame, recognizing a legacy of innovation that forever changed the manufacturing industry.

The induction honors Edward H. Seymour’s groundbreaking invention of aerosol spray paint in 1949, a simple yet revolutionary idea that transformed the way paint is applied around the world.

An Illinois Innovation That Started It All

The story began in Sycamore, Illinois, when Edward Seymour was asked to demonstrate an aluminum coating used to paint steam radiators. Looking for a more efficient way to apply the coating, Seymour combined paint with emerging aerosol technology and developed a method to package paint in a pressurized spray can.

The result was the world’s first aerosol spray paint.

What began as a practical solution quickly sparked an entirely new industry. Today, aerosol paints and coatings are used across countless applications, from automotive refinishing and industrial maintenance to construction, manufacturing, infrastructure, and home improvement projects.

A Legacy That Continues Today

More than 75 years later, Seymour of Sycamore remains a family-owned company headquartered in its hometown of Sycamore, Illinois.

The company continues to manufacture professional-quality paints, coatings, and specialty chemical products that serve industries across North America. While technology, products, and markets have evolved over the decades, Seymour’s commitment to innovation and manufacturing excellence remains unchanged.

“Being recognized by the Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame is an incredible honor,” said Christopher Heatley, President and CEO of Seymour of Sycamore. “This recognition celebrates not only Edward Seymour’s invention, but also the generations of employees, customers, and family members who have helped build and sustain this company for more than 75 years.”

Celebrating Illinois Manufacturing

The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association created the Manufacturing Hall of Fame to recognize individuals, companies, and innovations that have made a lasting impact on the state’s manufacturing heritage.

Edward Seymour’s invention exemplifies the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that continue to make Illinois a leader in manufacturing innovation.

Today, Seymour’s Sycamore campus encompasses manufacturing, research and development, warehousing, and corporate operations that support customers throughout the United States and beyond.

Looking Ahead

While Seymour is proud of its history, the company remains focused on the future.

From advanced coatings and industrial solutions to innovative application technologies, Seymour continues to invest in new products, manufacturing capabilities, and customer solutions that help professionals and DIYers alike get the job done.

The company’s mission remains as relevant today as it was in 1949: delivering professional-quality products that help people enhance the world around them.

As Seymour celebrates this historic recognition, the company extends its gratitude to its employees, customers, distributors, suppliers, and community partners who have been part of the journey.

Together, we continue building upon a legacy of innovation that started with a single idea and changed an industry forever.

About Seymour of Sycamore

Founded in 1949, Seymour of Sycamore is a family-owned manufacturer of professional-quality paints, coatings, and specialty chemical products. Headquartered in Sycamore, Illinois, Seymour serves industrial, automotive, construction, maintenance, and consumer markets throughout North America. Seymour is recognized as the inventor of aerosol spray paint and remains committed to innovation, quality, and American manufacturing.