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Keystone’s
original products in 1947 were replated chrome bumpers and other
chrome auto parts. The concept arose as a result of the sandstorms
that were common in then underdeveloped areas of California. The
storms would sand blast the paint and chrome on cars causing
owners and insurers to perform expensive repairs. Paint and body
shops would do the repainting but the chrome parts were generally
replaced with expensive new parts. Keystone’s founder Mr. Virgil
Benton, had a small chrome plating shop in Ontario, CA and
realizing the opportunity, convinced insurers and body shops to
let him replate the damaged chrome parts at a significantly less
cost than replacing them. Due to the cost savings, the concept
gained acceptance and in a short time, expanded into straightening,
repairing, as well as replating, collision damaged bumpers. During
the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s with encouragement from the auto
insurance companies and body shops, Keystone established bumper
recycling plants in the Midwest and Northeast states, and a new
service was established.
Beginning in
the late 70’s to early 80’s, the use of painted plastic
bumpers started to gain wide acceptance by the new car
manufacturers. Keystone responded to this market change by
developing recycling techniques to restore collision damaged
plastic bumpers to “like new” condition and today operates
over 30 plastic bumper recycling centers across the North America.
Beginning in
the mid to late 80’s brand new replacement body parts such as
fenders, hoods and grills became available from independent parts
manufacturers. Keystone’s long established distribution system
to the collision repair industry was a perfect compliment to the
manufacturer production expertise and Keystone quickly became the
nation’s leading supplier of independently produced collision
repair parts.
The most
recent addition to our product line is our aluminum
wheel-remanufacturing program. Started in 1996 with a single
location in Denver, Colorado, Keystone is now the nation’s
leading wheel remanufacturer with 10 regionally located plants
offering a top quality, environmentally friendly alternative to
new replacement wheels.
In June of
1996, the company completed it’s Initial Public Offering and
currently trades on NASDAQ exchange under the symbol KEYS
In 2003 and
2004, Keystone acquired two major Canadian distributors : MultiPro
and Quinte Bumper & Fender. With these acquisitions Keystone
solidified its presence in Canada and plans to grow upon this
base.
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