Adhesion Matters
Adhesion Matters pulls back the curtain on the remarkable world of adhesives—the invisible technologies quietly revolutionizing everything from smartphones and EVs to Hollywood effects and wind turbines. We guide listeners on a deep-entangled journey through innovation, sustainability, and the surprising human stories behind the products that hold our modern life together.
Adhesion Matters isn’t just about chemistry—it’s a storytelling lens on how sticky stuff shapes our world. Every episode reveals that adhesives do more than bind—they enable durability, safety, and innovation across industries. Tune in if you’re curious about the overlooked tech that really holds things together.
Adhesion Matters
Loctite’s Legacy: How One Glue Built an Empire
Have you ever wondered what keeps modern manufacturing from unraveling—everything from electronics to automotive parts? In this episode of Adhesion Matters, we trace the remarkable journey of LOCTITE®—from its groundbreaking origins to becoming a flagship brand under Henkel’s global adhesive empire.
What You’ll Discover in This Episode:
- A Chemistry Breakthrough Born from Vibration Troubles
Meet Dr. Vernon and Robert Crebbles, who in the 1950s gave the world anaerobic adhesives—a resin that only cures when deprived of air, ensuring unmatched precision for locking fasteners and preventing industrial nightmares caused by vibration. - Superglue by Accident... and Opportunity
Hear how Dr. Harry Coover’s discovery of cyanoacrylate—initially rejected for being too sticky—became a legend when Loctite began commercializing its own superglue in the late 1950s. The brand acumen displayed in merging both industrial and consumer lines under the LOCTITE® name laid the foundation for diversification. - Strategic Expansion and Industrial Muscle
From cracking into the automotive market in the late ‘60s to acquiring Permatex and becoming public in 1980, Loctite continuously fortified its presence. Under Henkel's ownership—via phased stake acquisitions culminating in 1997—the brand’s product lineup and global footprint exploded to include instant adhesives, thermal management materials, structural solutions, and more. - Innovation Meets Growth
Discover how LOCTITE’s R&D outreach expanded into 3D printing, e-mobility adhesives, and even bio-based formulations—cementing sustainability as both a mission and a competitive advantage. - An Intricate Global Web
Loctite’s dominance spans 130+ countries and 800+ industries, powered by a savvy blend of direct ownership, joint ventures, and localized distribution.
What Makes It Essential Listening:
This episode isn’t just about glue—it’s a narrative of innovation, business strategy, and invisible craftsmanship. By examining how LOCTITE® became an adhesive powerhouse, you’ll uncover the systems, science, and strategic partnerships keeping the modern world intact.
Okay, let's unpack this. Think for a moment about everything around you right now. The chair you're sitting on, maybe the device you're listening with, the car you drove today. What are the invisible forces holding it all together? It's not magic. It's this fascinating blend of science and, well, strategic partnerships. Today, we're doing a deep dive into the world of high-performance adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings. We'll really unravel the story of Loctite, you know, how it became this powerhouse brand under the global giant Henkel, and also the absolutely critical role of its distribution partners like Bodo, Miller, Chemi, and making it all happen.
SPEAKER_02:Indeed. It's truly remarkable how foundational these materials are, often unnoticed, you know, yet absolutely critical to modern manufacturing, from tiny electronics right up to, well, the car you drive. Our insights today are pulled from a stack of detailed industry articles and a pretty comprehensive report looking at Loctite's strategic evolution and its global reach.
SPEAKER_01:Right.
SPEAKER_02:So this deep dive, it should really reveal the strategic genius behind getting these very specialized solutions exactly where they need to be when they need to be there.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah. Our mission today is to unpack how these chemical giants innovate, expand and deliver solutions that genuinely, you know, hold the world together. We want to reveal the strategy behind their global reach and the surprising depth of their services. It's more than just glue, isn't it?
SPEAKER_02:Oh, much more. So we should probably start at the beginning. Let's go back to the mid-20th century. There was this problem plaguing early industrial machinery, relentless vibration. It caused nuts and bolts to loosen constantly. Think about the consequences, equipment failure, costly downtime, just a constant headache for engineers.
SPEAKER_00:So basically, industrial machinery was always trying to shake itself apart and Mechanical problem, everyone just sort of accepted. But then in 1953 at Trinity College in Connecticut, you have this chemistry professor, Dr. Vernon Creeble, and his son, Robert. They dared to think differently, didn't they?
SPEAKER_02:They absolutely did. And what they came up with was, well, revolutionary for its time. Anaerobic adhesives. This was a unique resin. Get this. It only hardened when squeezed into a joint, completely cut off from air.
SPEAKER_00:Ah, okay. So no messy drying times out in the open.
SPEAKER_02:Exactly. Imagine the precision for industrial assembly. No premature curing, just perfect, reliable adhesion once the parts were actually joined. It was a genuine engineering breakthrough.
SPEAKER_00:So to commercialize this, Vernon Creeble founded the American Sealants Company in 53. First sales of this anaerobic stuff started in 54. By 1956, the name Loctite was officially trademarked. And remarkably, sales hit a million dollars by 1960. Then they renamed the company Loctite Corporation in 63. Quite a start.
SPEAKER_02:A very strong start. Now, running parallel to this, there's another maybe more famous adhesive discovery story that Loctite would eventually champion, superglue.
SPEAKER_00:Ah, yes, the accidental invention.
SPEAKER_02:Precisely. Back in 1942, Dr. Harry Coover, a chemist at Kodak, accidentally stumbled upon cyanoacrylates. He was actually trying to develop clear plastics for gun sights during the war.
SPEAKER_00:But the crazy thing about superglue, isn't it, is that its stickiness, the very thing we value, was initially seen as a huge problem, a nuisance even.
SPEAKER_02:That's right. It was an impediment to his actual goal. It was only later Coover realized its immense commercial potential. Loctite started selling superglue commercially in 1958, developed its own version by 1975, and Dr. Coover himself even joined Loctite's management team in 1985.
SPEAKER_00:Wow. So this early decision to brand both the industrial anaerobic stuff and the consumer-friendly superglue under one Loctite name... That shows some serious foresight.
SPEAKER_02:It really does. Strategic foresight.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah. The real takeaway here seems to be they weren't just selling products. They were building this broad reputation, reliability across different areas. That really set them up for massive diversification later on. So Loctite's initial success, it was fueled by that anaerobic tech, right? It quickly became state of the art for bonding metal parts. And they expanded strategically. I read they entered the demanding auto market in 68.
SPEAKER_02:Specifically to start fasteners loosening from engine vibration. A crucial step for car safety, long longevity, a huge industrial market.
SPEAKER_00:And they made some key acquisitions, too.
SPEAKER_02:Yes, definitely. In 1972, they bought Permatex, a well-known automotive line. And then in 74, Woodhill Chemical Sales Company. They were instrumental in getting superglue into hardware stores, onto consumer shelves. These were then integrated into a new automotive and consumer division. And the company went public in 1980. You
SPEAKER_00:know, all this talk about product innovation and market expansion, it feels like it wasn't just about what Absolutely. If we connect
SPEAKER_02:this to the bigger picture. That was an incredibly advanced business model for its era. It wasn't just selling a product. It was providing the complete solution that included deep application knowledge, robust technical support, really understanding the customer's operational needs.
SPEAKER_01:Right.
SPEAKER_02:And that approach, it fostered immense customer loyalty. And importantly, it established a high barrier to entry for competitors. You couldn't just copy the bottle.
SPEAKER_00:OK, so Loctite had the incredible foundation, this growing portfolio, a clear vision. But the biggest shift, the one that really supercharged their global ambitions, It happened later, didn't it? In 1997.
SPEAKER_02:That's the one. That's when the German multinational Henkel, already a chemical giant in its own right, acquired Loctite Corporation for about$1.2 billion.
SPEAKER_00:But it wasn't sudden, was it? Henkel had been involved before.
SPEAKER_02:Correct. It was a phased approach. Henkel had already bought a 25% stake back in 1985 and then another 35% in 1996. So they knew the business well.
SPEAKER_00:Got it. So this wasn't just a takeover. It was more like a strategic alignment.
SPEAKER_02:Exactly. And it really kicked Loctite's growth into high gear. year, Loctite became a cornerstone brand within Henkel's adhesive technologies business unit, which, by the way, reported a massive turnover of 5.4 billion in 2024. It's the world's largest manufacturer of adhesives, sealants and functional coatings now.
SPEAKER_00:Wow. So the portfolio must have expanded dramatically under Henkel. beyond threadlockers and superglue.
SPEAKER_02:Oh, significantly. Now it includes instant adhesives, retaining compounds, thermal management materials, which are crucial for electronics and capsulins, structural adhesives, the list goes on. And that combined entity, Henkel and Loctite, they focused even more intensely on selling these expertise-driven solutions. Back to that system idea, but on a global scale.
SPEAKER_00:And Loctite's promise under Henkel is pretty ambitious. Unlock the limitless potential of man and machine.
SPEAKER_02:It is. And their continued innovation shows they're serious. Look at their strategic moves into high-growth sectors. Take 3D printing, for instance. They've partnered with leaders like Desktop Metal and Carbon. They're putting Loctite formulations into these printers for actual end-use parts in demanding industrial and even medical applications.
SPEAKER_00:So the materials you print with for real-world products could actually be Loctite developed. That's pretty cool.
SPEAKER_02:It is. And then there's e-mobility, electric vehicles. Loctite's developed specialized adhesives and crucially thermal management materials.
SPEAKER_00:Okay, thermal management. That's about dealing with heat, right? Yeah. Especially in EVs where things are getting smaller and hotter.
SPEAKER_02:Exactly. Efficiently dissipating heat from sensitive electronics like batteries and control units. It's a huge challenge, and L'Occitane provides key solutions there.
SPEAKER_00:So that brings up an interesting point. How does a chemical company like this innovate sustainably? It feels like a contradiction sometimes.
SPEAKER_02:It's a fair question. But what's striking here is that for Locksteed and Henkel more broadly, sustainability isn't just about compliance anymore. It's framed as a competitive advantage, a driver for innovation itself.
SPEAKER_00:So what are they actually doing?
SPEAKER_02:Well, they have initiatives to reduce plastic and packaging, use more recycled materials, minimize harmful chemicals in their formulations. A specific example is their bio-based adhesives like Loctite PUR Hot Melt. It boasts 60 percent bio-based content from renewable plant So
SPEAKER_00:with
SPEAKER_02:all this
SPEAKER_00:innovation and backing, oscotite products are now Pretty
SPEAKER_02:much. At the heart of over 800 different industries and applications, available in over 130 countries, and Henkel keeps investing. Big innovation centers in Dusseldorf, another major one planned for Shanghai, it underscores their commitment to staying ahead in adhesive science.
SPEAKER_00:Okay, 130 countries. That kind of global presence isn't just about having great products, right? Yeah. It must involve a massive investment. intricate distribution strategy.
SPEAKER_02:Absolutely. It's a meticulously crafted, highly adaptable distribution strategy that really embodies that original system approach we talked about. This vast network serves over 100,000 industrial clients, plus millions of consumers worldwide.
SPEAKER_00:So how do they manage this huge global web? What are the strategies?
SPEAKER_02:They use adaptive channel strategies. So in most countries, Henkel maintains direct 100% equity ownership in its distributors.
SPEAKER_00:Okay, full control.
SPEAKER_02:Full control over branding, service quality, everything. But in countries Countries with foreign ownership restrictions think places like Norway, Indonesia, China. Historically, they form joint ventures or JVs.
SPEAKER_00:Partnering with local companies.
SPEAKER_02:Exactly. Leveraging their local market knowledge, their existing infrastructure, navigating the local regulations. It's flexible.
SPEAKER_00:Makes sense. What about mature markets like here in North America?
SPEAKER_02:There, they tend to use a selective distribution strategy. Typically, maybe two or three authorized distributors per area. Industrial distributors are often organized into distinct regions. I think there are 12 regions for industrial in North America. And crucially, to ensure strong commitment from these partners, Loctite offers notably high margins, often 30, 35%. 30 to
SPEAKER_00:35%. That sounds quite generous for distribution. Why so high?
SPEAKER_02:It is generous. It's designed to attract top tier partners who are willing and able to invest heavily in the specialized technical support that Loctite products often require. You need real expertise.
SPEAKER_00:When you describe these distributors, it sounds like they're doing way more than just moving boxes. Are they almost like... field reps for Loctite's R&D or customer service.
SPEAKER_02:That's a great way to put it. Think less delivery driver, more mobile technical support unit. This model transforms them into critical extensions of Loctite's own capabilities. These distributors have highly qualified sales forces, they operate dedicated training facilities for customers, and often they use Labmobiles, literally labs on wheels, to provide on-site technical service directly at a customer's facility.
SPEAKER_01:Wow, Labmobiles.
SPEAKER_02:Yeah. This is absolutely crucial for complex industrial adhesives. They often demand precise application techniques, a deep understanding of material interactions.
SPEAKER_00:So the impact for the end user, for you listening, is you get a complete solution, not just a tube of something.
SPEAKER_02:Exactly. You get immediate localized problem solving. You build deep technical trust with that distributor who understands your specific needs.
SPEAKER_00:And these local partners, they bring that intimate understanding of the local market dynamics too, right? Tailoring things.
SPEAKER_02:Precisely. From a pure logistics angle, they ensure reliable delivery, accessible locations, rapid fulfillment, often next day delivery for critical industrial parts. It's a robust system.
SPEAKER_00:Plus value-added services like helping with applications or testing.
SPEAKER_02:Yes, a whole suite. Application assistance, lab tests, process optimization consultations, all designed to help the customer use the product better, more efficiently. It really proves that system philosophy is still alive and well.
SPEAKER_00:Okay, so among this vast global network of distributors, one name that seems to come up frequently as a key partner is Bodo Müller-Schimme. Tell us about them.
SPEAKER_02:Right. Bodo Müller-Schimme, or BMC. They're headquartered in Offenbach in Main, Germany. They really stand out. They're a multinational but still family-owned specialty chemical distributor. And they strongly position themselves not just as a distributor, but as a solution provider, integrating technology with process and application expertise. Just to give you a sense of scale, their group turnover was over 107 million back in 2017.
UNKNOWN:Thank you.
SPEAKER_02:They're significant.
SPEAKER_00:And their relationship with Henkel, it sounds like it's a longstanding one.
SPEAKER_02:Very much so. It's a longstanding partnership, continually expanding and consistently described by both sides as highly successful. BMC operates in more than 20 countries now, strong presence across Europe, Southern Africa, Asia, the Americas. This broad reach directly plugs into and supports Loxtite's global availability in those 130 plus countries we mentioned.
SPEAKER_00:And BMC seems to be expanding aggressively recently. I saw news about... the Baltics in Asia.
SPEAKER_02:Yes, absolutely. They've made some significant moves. For example, late last year, November 2023, they opened a new subsidiary in Tartu, Estonia. And get this, that subsidiary now distributes the entire Loxtite industrial portfolio for vehicle and industrial system work, manufacturing, maintenance, repair. That includes related brands like Terrasson and Technomelt, too. Henkel essentially became BMC's main supplier in that whole Baltic region.
SPEAKER_00:Wow. The entire portfolio. And what about Switzerland?
SPEAKER_02:Looking ahead to mid 2025, there's Swiss Okay, ISO 10993. That
SPEAKER_00:sounds important for medical.
SPEAKER_02:It's critical. It means the adhesive has been rigorously tested and proven biocompatible, safe for direct contact with the human body. Life or death stuff, literally. They're also pushing further into automotive, telematics, sensor systems, robotics, automation, And the
SPEAKER_00:big move in Asia. The Rockton acquisition.
SPEAKER_02:Yes, that was major. Mid-2025, again, BMC acquired the Asian distribution business of Rockton. This massively strengthens their position as a leading Henkel distributor across Asia, especially for electronics adhesives. Think consumer electronics, industrial, automotive electronics, semiconductor tech, huge growth areas. That deal added 11 sites in China alone, over 130 employees, really boosting BMC's footprint in greater China and adding technical muscle like their adhesive competence center in Shanghai.
SPEAKER_00:Exactly.
SPEAKER_02:These expansions really highlight BMC's core differentiator, those unparalleled value-added services. They talk about targeted advice and customized on-site services. That's delivered through these dedicated adhesive competence centers and their state-of-the-art labs.
SPEAKER_00:What kind of services are we talking about specifically?
SPEAKER_02:in-depth technical consulting, rigorous lab tests that actually support manufacturers in their own product development, process optimization, helping clients use adhesives more efficiently, save costs, save time, and even highly specialized services like decanting, repackaging adhesives into smaller, more usable quantities or customizing materials. Like imagine needing thermally conductive pads precisely cut to fit a new electronic device. BMC can do that.
SPEAKER_00:That's pretty specialized.
SPEAKER_02:It is. So this deep technical
SPEAKER_00:engagement, the localized support from distributors like Bodo, Meller, Chemi, It seems absolutely essential for Loctite.
SPEAKER_02:Indispensable. It's key to maintaining market leadership, driving the adoption of new complex innovations, and just sustaining that incredible global presence day to day.
SPEAKER_00:Right. So recapping this incredible journey, the history of the Loctite brand is really this compelling story of innovation, smart strategy, and global expansion. From Dr. Kreebel's breakthrough anaerobic adhesives, Dr. Coover's accidental super glue, Loctite built this early reputation reputation for solving tough bonding challenges. And that initial focus on selling a system, not just a product, that laid the groundwork for offering comprehensive solutions way ahead of its time.
SPEAKER_02:Absolutely. Then Henkel's phased acquisition, eventually taking full ownership, transformed Loctite. It became a core part of Henkel's giant adhesive technologies unit, the world leader. And that integration fueled huge portfolio expansion, pushing Loctite into 3D printing, e-mobility, sustainable applications, where sustainability, as we discussed isn't just a checkbox, it's a real competitive differentiator and growth engine.
SPEAKER_00:And Loctite's massive global reach, 130 plus countries, that's a direct result of this really sophisticated adaptive distribution strategy. Using flexible approaches like direct ownership or JVs to ensure market access, leverage, local know-how, and that significant investment in the distributor's high margins, training, tech support, it transforms them into these critical extensions of Loctite itself. localized knowledge hubs.
SPEAKER_02:Right. And partners like Bodo Meller Schemie just perfectly exemplify this model. They're not just moving product. They're providing targeted advice, custom services, deep technical support via those competent centers and labs. They're consulting, testing, optimization, customization. It ensures Loctite's high performance products work flawlessly in really demanding sectors like medical, aerospace, electronics.
SPEAKER_00:It's this whole intricate ecosystem, isn't it? Innovation, strategic vision from Henkel and these critical partnerships making those invisible is actually possible. Understanding these supply chain details, these value-added partnerships, it really sheds light on the quality and reliability of so many products we use every single day, from tiny sensors to big machines.
SPEAKER_02:Definitely. So next time you look at anything assembled, a tiny sensor, a massive industrial machine, whatever, consider the silent, powerful science holding it together. This deep dive really shows us that true innovation isn't just about inventing a product. It's about creating the systems, the partnerships that ensure its flawless performance anywhere in the world, which Which makes you wonder, what other invisible industries underpin our daily lives without us even realizing it?
