The
Las-stik Manufacturing Company
Home of the Las-stik and GitUm brands of wax treated
polishing cloths
History
The Las-stik Manufacturing Company was founded in 1915 by Louis Sohngen
at Hamilton, Ohio. There are two stories how the company was named Las-Stik.
First, the tire patch that the company produced was marketed to "last
and stick", thus, the name Las-Stik was formed. The second story
goes that the founder wanted to name the company using his initials of
his name. So, L.S. became Las-Stik. There is probably some fact and a
little fiction in both of the stories.
Equally important to the name was the reputation that the products of
the company earned in the automotive aftermarket industry. The company's
first product was a tire patch for the nation's growing auto industry.
The wax treated polish cloth was added to the company's product line in
the 1920's. Soon, Las-Stik was a household name with our advertising appearing
in Good Housekeeping magazine during the 1920's and 30's. Also during
this period, Las-Stik produced cloth and packaged it for General Motors,
Ford Motor Company, and Chrysler. In fact, we have one of the longest
running part numbers in the General Motors and Ford service part operations.
The packaging, tin cans, from the 1920's to the late 1950's are collector
items today.
In the 1950's, Las-Stik purchased the assets of Automotive Supply Manufacturing
Company of Denver, Colorado. This acquisition expanded Las-Stik's product
offering to include GitUm and Freeman wax treated polishing cloths. Over
the years, Las-Stik also developed a full range of automobile detailing
chemicals and supplies. The offering included car wash, white wall cleaners,
interior cleaners, and wash mitts.
In 2001, Las-Stik Manufacturing combined operations with Lustre
Glaze Auto Finishes in Dayton, Ohio. Lustre Glaze, founded in 1976, is
a manufacturer of chemicals for the automotive aftermarket industry. Chemicals
from Lustre Glaze are sold in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, Wisconsin,
and Kansas.
Today, Las-Stik Manufacturing Company continues to be the leading supplier
of wax treated polishing cloths to the automotive aftermarket. Our history
and commitment to the products have rewarded us with loyal customers throughout
the world.
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