The Evolution of Percy Harms Corporation From Garage Startup to Aerosol Industry Leader

The story of Percy Harms Corporation begins with a simple problem faced by molders and mold makers: plastic parts sticking to steel molds. This challenge sparked the creation of a small but innovative company that would grow from a family garage into a recognized name in the aerosol industry. The journey of Percy Harms Corporation is a tale of persistence, family collaboration, and practical ingenuity.

Early Beginnings in a Family Garage Aerosol industry leader

In 1953, Percy Harms was already selling tool steel to molders and mold makers. His customers asked for a mold lubricant to prevent plastic parts from sticking to steel molds. Percy teamed up with his cousin, Howard Klemm, to develop four aerosol products: a silicone-based mold release, a rust preventive, a tapping fluid, and a blue layout dye. These products formed the company’s first minimal product line.

The business was incorporated as Perc. E. Harms Corporation. Percy chose this name to avoid the nickname “Perky Harms” that might come from using his full name. The company operated out of a garage at the family home on George Street in Skokie, Illinois. This humble start laid the foundation for what would become a growing enterprise.

Moving Beyond the Garage

By 1959, Percy decided to rename the company Percy Harms Corporation, embracing his full name. Despite the name change, the company still did not manufacture its own products. Instead, it stored inventory in the family garage, which became a point of tension at home. Percy’s wife, Edna, insisted on finding a proper warehouse space to keep the business separate from their living area.

Responding to Edna’s insistence, Percy rented a small warehouse to store products. This move marked the company’s first step toward a more professional operation and allowed the family to separate business from home life. It also set the stage for future growth.

Family Expansion and Product Development

In 1963, Percy’s two sons, Jim and Henry, joined the company to help expand sales efforts. Their involvement brought fresh energy and focus to the business. Around the same time, Jan van der Graff, a chemical engineer, joined as an outside partner. Jan’s expertise in product development was crucial for the company’s evolution from a reseller to a manufacturer.

Jan’s role allowed Percy Harms Corporation to begin developing its own products, moving beyond simply selling items made by others. This shift was essential for the company’s long-term success and helped build a stronger brand identity.

Growth and Moving to a Larger Facility

By 1976, the company had outgrown its small warehouse and needed a larger space. Percy Harms Corporation moved to a former pudding factory in Wheeling, Illinois. This new location allowed the company to install its own aerosol filling equipment, a major step toward manufacturing independence.

The production line was far from new or high-tech. The storage tanks were secondhand, the can labeler was converted from an old baby food jar labeler, and the filling equipment was all used. Despite these humble beginnings, the company spent 18 months installing and fine-tuning the equipment.

Henry Harms took charge of setting up the aerosol filling line, while Percy and Jim continued focusing on sales. This division of labor helped the company balance production and market growth effectively.

Percy Harms Corporation's early aerosol filling line in Wheeling, Illinois

Key Lessons from Percy Harms Corporation’s Journey

The evolution of Percy Harms Corporation offers several practical lessons for entrepreneurs and small businesses:

• Start with customer needs: The company’s first products were created to solve a real problem faced by customers, which ensured demand from the start.

  
  

• Use available resources wisely: Operating from a garage and using secondhand equipment allowed the company to grow without heavy upfront investment.

  
  

• Involve family and experts: Bringing in family members for sales and a chemical engineer for product development helped balance skills and responsibilities.

  
  

• Adapt and expand gradually: Moving from a garage to a warehouse, then to a factory, shows steady growth aligned with business needs.

  
  

The Foundation for Future Success

Percy Harms Corporation’s early years were marked by practical problem-solving and steady growth. From a small garage in Skokie to a larger facility in Wheeling, the company built a foundation that would support its rise as a leader in the aerosol industry.

The story of Percy Harms is a reminder that many successful companies start small, with a clear focus on customer needs and a willingness to adapt. The company’s journey shows how family involvement, expert knowledge, and resourcefulness can combine to create lasting success.

For those interested in entrepreneurship or manufacturing, Percy Harms Corporation’s history provides valuable insights into building a business from the ground up. The company’s evolution encourages a focus on practical solutions, gradual growth, and teamwork.

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