Finding innovative solutions to spray finishing problems has been the philosophy of DeVilbiss for over 100 years. Founded in 1888 when Toledo, Ohio physician Dr. Allen DeVilbiss combined a bulb, some tubing, and the base of an oil can to create the first atomizer for health care, DeVilbiss is now the leading supplier of spray finishing equipment to the industrial and automotive refinish markets.

Dr. DeVilbiss' son, Thomas DeVilbiss, is actually credited with adapting the original atomizer to create a spray gun that meets the challenges of spray finishing. In an effort to add life to his father's atomizer business, Thomas DeVilbiss added perfumizers to the company's product line. Following that, in 1907, the younger DeVilbiss, an inventor in his own right, experimented with the spray gun. Mass production was beginning to evolve at this time and Thomas DeVilbiss' spray gun technology proved to be a revolutionary addition to the paint and lacquer coating applications on the furniture and automotive finishing assembly line. Spraying the lacquer reduced drying time to hours instead of weeks and the spraying of paint replaced hand brushing, helping to create new jobs and increase productivity in manufacturing.

Since then, DeVilbiss has maintained its commitment to innovative technology by establishing itself as a team of experts who thoroughly understand the intricacies of the finishing process, the equipment design needed for achieving the highest quality finish, and the bottom line needs of customers to maximize productivity.

DeVilbiss products are used with equal success in the wood, aerospace, plastics, metal, and automotive industries by operators ranging from the industrial professional to the hobbyist. DeVilbiss equipment is used to spray a wide variety of solvent-based and waterborne coatings including single and dual component and low and high solids materials.

Purchased by Illinois Tool Works in 1990, DeVilbiss continues to set the standard for spray finishing through its research and development, innovative product line, and commitment to customer service.