Over 100 years of Business Heritage

Our Legacy

Heritage. Innovation. Excellence.

With roots tracing back to the early 20th century, Specialist Metallic Coatings has been a leader in protective metal coatings for generations. From our origins as Zinc Alloy Rust Proofing Co Ltd to our evolution into a trusted industry name, we have remained committed to quality, innovation, and precision.

Celebrating years of expertise, we honour our rich heritage while embracing cutting-edge advancements to meet the demands of modern industries. Our legacy is built on craftsmanship, technical excellence, and a dedication to delivering high-performance coating solutions that stand the test of time.

Over 100 years of Business Heritage

Our journey is defined by groundbreaking advancements and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From pioneering protective metal coatings in the early 20th century to investing in cutting-edge technologies today, we have continually evolved to meet the needs of modern industries. Each milestone reflects our commitment to innovation, quality, and customer-focused solutions, driving us forward as a trusted leader in specialist metallic coatings.

  • Pre-1940s: Pioneering Protective Coatings

    Founded as Zinc Alloy Rust Proofing Co Ltd, we specialised in Sherardising and plating processes, setting the foundation for advanced protective metal coatings. This era marked our early contributions to the metal finishing industry, shaping the standards for durability and corrosion resistance.

  • 1940s: Adapting & Innovating

    In response to industry shifts, we ceased zinc plating and explored alternative metal finishing techniques. The 1960s brought a breakthrough with the introduction of Dip Spin coating—an innovative method that enhanced efficiency and protection, reinforcing our reputation as a leader in coating technology.

  • 1960s-1970s: Transformation & Family Ownership

    Introduced innovative Dip Spin coating, enhancing efficiency and protection

  • 1980s: The Rebrand

    Under a new business name, we attempted to reintroduce zinc plating but faced quality challenges.

  • 1990-2000: Expanding Capabilities & Market Reach

    As industries evolved, so did we—focusing on cost-effective, high-performance coatings tailored to diverse applications. Investments in state-of-the-art equipment and a commitment to alternative energy solutions positioned us as a forward-thinking leader in specialist coatings.

  • 2016: The Birth of Specialist Metallic Coatings (SMC)

    SMC was officially established, continuing the legacy of its predecessors at the Shakespeare Street facility in Wolverhampton. This rebranding marked a new era of growth, modernisation, and industry leadership.

  • 2017-2018: Major Investments in Zinc Plating Technology

    With a commitment to innovation, we expanded our capabilities through substantial investments in advanced zinc plating technology. By 2019, we installed one of the UK’s largest zinc plating lines, reinforcing our position as a trusted provider of high-performance coatings.

  • 2019: Zinc Plating Lines

    Installed one of the UK's largest Zinc Plating lines, reinforcing industry leadership.

  • 2020: Achieving ISO Certification

    Quality and environmental responsibility have always been at our core. In 2020, we achieved ISO certification, cementing our commitment to industry-leading standards and continuous improvement.

  • 2021-2023: Workforce Expansion & Long-Term Partnerships

    Our team grew to over 65 employees, reflecting our sustained success and industry demand. We also continued to nurture customer relationships, many of which have spanned over 40 years—demonstrating trust, reliability, and unwavering service excellence.

  • 2025: Innovation & Sustainability

    With an eye on the future, we are investing in cutting-edge equipment—bringing the first machine of its kind to Europe. Our focus remains on sustainable coatings, new technologies, and a personalised, customer-centric approach, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the industry for years to come.

  • Present & Future: Driving Innovation

    Driving innovation in sustainable coatings, embracing new technologies and stepping into a new era of the SMC brand with a bold identity and digital presence.

Excellence.

Quality. Precision.

Durability.

Performance.

A Legacy of Quality

Uncompromising Quality Assurance

At Specialist Metallic Coatings, quality is at the core of everything we do. For almost a century, we have upheld the highest standards in coating technology, ensuring precision, durability, and superior performance in every application. Our industry accreditations and certifications are a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. These credentials not only validate our rigorous quality assurance processes but also reinforce the trust placed in us by major industry sectors and leading global clients. With every coating we apply, we guarantee reliability, consistency, and long-term protection—meeting and exceeding the strictest industry standards.

The Art of
Coating Excellence

At Specialist Metallic Coatings (SMC), we have spent years perfecting the science and craftsmanship of metallic coatings. Through innovation, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to quality, we deliver industry-leading solutions that enhance durability, corrosion resistance, and overall performance. Our approach is tailored to the specific needs of each industry, ensuring precision coatings that meet the highest standards.

Precision Engineering & Advanced Technology

With over a century of experience, we blend traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technologies, including precision spraying and thermal coatings. Every application is executed with meticulous attention to detail, providing robust, aesthetically refined, and highly protective finishes for industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical.

Tailored Solutions for Every Industry

We understand that no two industries have the same requirements. That’s why we customise our coating solutions for sectors including aerospace, defence, oil & gas, medical, and automotive. Our coatings are engineered to withstand extreme environments while optimising performance and longevity.

Uncompromising Quality & Long-Term Performance

Durability and reliability define our coatings. Each solution undergoes rigorous testing for corrosion resistance, wear protection, and environmental durability, ensuring long-lasting performance. Our relentless pursuit of quality has solidified our reputation as a trusted leader in high-performance metallic coatings. At SMC Wolverhampton, we don’t just apply coatings—we engineer solutions that stand the test of time.

Next Steps...

Speak to us to see how we can help.

Give us a call or our contact form to send us your details and our team will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Innovative. Defined.

Innovative. Defined.

Working around the clock,
around the world,
in all industries.

As industry leaders, Specialist Metallic Coatings provide professional, innovative, and unbiased solutions when it comes to metal coating systems. See below our buiness statisitics.

106,043

Components made in 24 hours

2,043

Partnerships around the world

100

Years of business & experience