Founded in 1862 as a munitions company, Canadian Industries Limited (CIL) would eventually move into paints, and officially be formed in the 1920s. After a variety of acquisitions, including becoming part of ICI, AkzoNobel, and eventually PPG Architectural Paints Canada, CIL disappeared as an entity.

However, the sale of PPG’s Canadian operation to what has become The Pittsburgh Paints Company in 2025 led to the reformation of Canadian Industries Limited (CIL) as a standalone company. Tim Fisher, co-president, retail, CIL, and Brendan Demler, co-president, commercial, CIL, discuss the new opportunities ahead for CIL.

Coatings World: What is the history behind CIL?

Canadian Industries Limited: Canadian Industries Limited (CIL) traces our roots back to 1862. Our heritage includes contributing to wartime manufacturing and supporting major infrastructure projects; for over a century, we’ve been serving Canadians. Over time, CIL evolved as a business to meet the country’s needs, and today we support millions of Canadians as a leader in paints and coatings. We are proud of our legacy, and we now look to the future, focused on helping Canadians build, protect and enhance the spaces where they live and work.

Coatings World: What led to CIL becoming a stand-alone company in September 2025?

Canadian Industries Limited: We established CIL as a stand-alone company as part of a broader strategy to increase investments in our Canadian manufacturing, our team, our products and our distribution. We’ve always been a leader in domestic coatings and now as a stand-alone business we are truly Canada’s paint company. That means developing products for the Canadian market, manufacturing them in Canada and making decisions that are aligned with the unique needs of our customers.

Coatings World: What are some of CIL’s most recognizable brands?

Canadian Industries Limited: We’re proud to steward some of the most trusted names in Canada, including the DULUX®, SICO®, GLIDDEN®, OLYMPIC® and BENTONEL® brands. These are iconic and respected brands that Canadians trust, whether it be homeowners reimagining a room or professionals delivering high-quality work. Together, these brands allow us to serve a wide range of needs across the market.

Coatings World: What differentiates CIL from its competitors?

Canadian Industries Limited: At our core, we’re built for Canada. We manufacture locally, employ more than 1,500 Canadians, and serve customers coast-to-coast. That local focus allows us to better understand regional needs, respond quickly and deliver products that perform in Canadian conditions. We combine that local expertise with a portfolio of iconic brands, giving us both credibility and reach across DIY and professional segments.

Coatings World: Along those lines, how is CIL positioned to lead the Canadian paint and coatings market?

Canadian Industries Limited: Without a doubt, it’s our team that makes the difference. When you buy from CIL, whether it’s DULUX®, SICO® or any of our brands, you’re buying products that were designed, produced, shipped and sold right here. And who better to lead the Canadian market than a team that is living in it every day. Our team comes to work each day with a passion for serving our customers, deepening our partnerships and innovating for our market.

Coatings World: What are some of the important ways that CIL invests in local communities?

Canadian Industries Limited: Being Canadian isn’t just part of our story, it’s how we operate every day. Our Vaughan facility alone produces millions of gallons of paint annually, supporting domestic manufacturing jobs and local economic activity. Each one of our 200+ stores is a part of the fabric of our communities and supports local initiatives and projects. Our team members are partners on our customers’ journeys and help to make our communities safer and more beautiful with high-quality, domestically made products that Canadians trust.

Coatings World: Is there anything you’d like to add?

Canadian Industries Limited: The reintroduction of the CIL name and our refreshed logo represent the commitment we bring to our customers across Canada to provide excellent products and excellent service. This is an exciting moment for CIL, recognizing where we’ve come from while making the investments to be even more impactful in the future. While the look is familiar, the mindset is forward-looking. We’re building a modern Canadian paint company, one that combines heritage, innovation, and a clear focus on serving both professionals and homeowners better than ever.