About RMC.
Leading Manufacturer Of Specialty Chemicals
WE’VE GOT HISTORY
Over 135 Years Worth!
Ambition, ingenuity, and hard work marked the early growth of Rochester Midland Corporation. .
Ambition, ingenuity, and hard work marked the early growth of Rochester Midland Corporation. It began in 1888, when two men, Daniel N. Calkins and Clarence P. Crowell, purchased the Rochester, New York Agency of the Aromatic Disinfecting Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a company that supplied equipment and “disinfecting” fluid for restrooms. Under the new company name of Rochester Germicide Company, improvements in the system were made and expansion into manufacturing other products began.
By 1907, Rochester Germicide had opened sales offices in Boston, Toronto, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland and was manufacturing and selling hand soaps, floor cleaners, disinfectants, and insecticides. Over the next several decades Rochester Germicide's product line grew primarily through the needs of and ideas from its customers. The number of branch offices gradually expanded from the original six to include most of the major metropolitan areas throughout the United States.
In the early 1970’s, an active acquisition program began and numerous companies and janitor supply businesses throughout the United States were purchased.
One of the most significant early purchases was the 1972 acquisition of Midland Laboratories, located in Dubuque, Iowa. Midland Laboratories was an established, well-respected firm in the Midwest United States, and the merger of the two companies gave Rochester Germicide an expanded small package line of chemical products as well as an even greater involvement with insecticides. Later, when Rochester Germicide was to change its company name, the name Midland would be included in the new title, significant of the important role Midland Laboratories had in the company’s growth.
To support the rapid expansion, in 1975 the company built a 70,000 square foot facility in Aurora, Illinois, to serve as both the manufacturing and distribution center for the Midwest, Southern and Western United States. Increased efforts in research and development during the 1970’s and early 1980’s allowed Rochester Germicide to add specialty chemical products for water treatment, industrial maintenance and food processing industries.
In October 1980, Rochester Germicide Company changed its name to Rochester Midland Corporation. The term “germicide” no longer identified the great diversification the company had undergone since its inception.
In 1989 RMC replaced its existing Toronto manufacturing plant with a new 60,000 square foot production facility in nearby Oakville. The new building houses the headquarters for Rochester Midland Limited, which is responsible for the company’s Canadian operations.
In early 1991 Rochester Midland acquired Industrial Chemical Laboratories, a well-known and respected manufacturer of institutional and water treatment products serving sections of the Midwest and Northwest United States. This latest acquisition completed 20 years of extraordinary growth for the company.
RMC acquired Protecto, Inc. of Ontario, California in June, 2000. This leading manufacturer of toilet seat covers and other specialty papers was a valuable addition to the Rochester Midland’s Restroom Care program.
RMC acquired Watermarc (Wales) in July 2003
In 2010 we expanded water treatment capabilities in California with the acquisition of Aqua Pro Water Management, Inc. of Martinez, CA. Aqua Pro is a 16-year-old family owned business that services water treatment customers in California.
2011 was a busy year. RMC moved into new production facilities in Rochester and purchased a new production plant in Riverside, CA. Today, Rochester Midland’s sales force spans the globe with technology far beyond that of the late 1800’s, drawing on the expertise and creative chemistry of its five distinct chemical programs. RMC is a multinational company whose vision is to help our customers achieve a higher level of cleanliness, productivity and environmental awareness. We work with our customers to help them deal with the increasing complexity of today’s regulatory compliance, whether it’s a food plant audit, legionella risk management or the evaluation of waste discharge.
RMC acquired Ashland C&I in April 2012
RMC divested our Feminine Care and Toilet Seat Cover business in order to stay focused on our core specialty chemical businesses
RMC acquired WellBeing Hygiene in March 2017
The year 2018 marks the 130th anniversary of RMC’s founding - we are celebrating 130 years of clean. The company continues as a family-owned business, led by Harlan D. Calkins, Chairman, his son, H. Bradley Calkins, and his daughter, Kathy Lindahl, who are Co-CEOs.
RMC also Acquired Custom Blended Treatments in Feb 2018
In response to the Pandemic when there was significant demand for products to combat Covid-19, RMC announced a new partnership with Iron Smoke Distillery to produce hand sanitizer. The two companies donated over 2,000 quart bottles to at-risk frontline workers, hospitals and first responders during a time of great need for disinfectant and hand sanitizer.
RMC also acquired Eaton Environmental Services, Ltd. in October 2020
RMC acquired Québec-O-Chimie in May 2021
Partnership with Peak Rock
We Are Here To Serve You ...
Rochester Midland Corporation ...
RMC has been a leader in the specialty chemical manufacturing industry since 1888 and has a pioneering position in the development of sustainable programs. We partner with our customers to provide integrated solutions to solve problems and help them reach their strategic business objectives and environmental goals.
Sustainability - Corporate Sustainability information.
Community - Dedicated to improving our communities and environment.
Terms & Conditions - Purchase order terms and conditions
Drum & Tote Return Guidelines - RMC Return guidelines
Contact Us - Speak with us directly, or request more information about RMC
What we do...
Sustainable
Environmental
Commercial
Community
Mission & Values
Mission
To create safer, more efficient and healthier work environments for our customers and our team members by providing proactive solutions for the markets we serve.
Vision
We will meet or exceed our goals by building a collegial workplace environment that fosters both individual and team growth and success. We will create opportunities to contribute, learn, innovate and develop, while offering a positive work-life balance.
RMC Values
- Always Safe
- Trust & Be Trusted
- Better Together
- Positive Mindset
- Make Good Choices
- Recognize & Respect
- Have Fun
What our customers say ...
I had a goal at Phil’s Fresh Eggs to improve GMP’s in the plant and was able to achieve that in less than one year. RMC helped me to reach this goal with an effective sanitation program and with their dependable products.
RMC has exceeded my expectations in all regards.
I believe we are going in the correct direction as far as chemical usage cost while still maintaining a clean and sanitary facility. RMC has been a great help through frequent visits and response to any questions or concerns that I have.