EdgeChem Jamaica Limited has attributed its success over the past three and a half decades to a clear and consistent focus: building strong technical capabilities, investing meaningfully in its people, deepening its understanding of customer needs, and taking full ownership of quality and innovation.

The paint maker’s CEO, Ockino Petrie cited the pillars recently following a thanksgiving service at St Jude’s Anglican Church in St Andrew to kick off the company’s 35th anniversary celebrations.

“The company’s transformation from a manufacturer and distributor to a solutions provider could not be attributed to a simple milestone, but rather a mindset shift,” Petrie said.

“It required building technical capability, investing in our people, deepening our understanding of our customers, and ultimately taking ownership of quality, innovation, and impact,” he added.

Indeed, together, these pillars have shaped a resilient organisation, well-positioned to evolve with changing markets while staying true to its core values.

Long before it became a household name in coatings, EdgeChem Jamaica was a small, determined operation navigating the realities of starting a business in inner-city Kingston.

Founded in 1991 by Doreen Frankson, the company began with limited resources, a small team, and a clear intention, to build a Jamaican brand capable of delivering reliable, high-performance products.

The early years demanded persistence, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in the vision, setting the foundation for what would become a multi-decade growth journey. Over time, EdgeChem steadily expanded its footprint, moving from a single production base into a network of retail outlets and a distribution system that now reaches beyond Jamaica into regional and international markets.

Today, the company employs more than 300 people, operates 25 retail locations across the island, and supplies products to hundreds of hardware stores locally and overseas. Growth, however, was never accidental. It was shaped by deliberate investments in product development, infrastructure, and people.

Members of the senior management team and middle managers of EdgeChem pose for their 35th anniversary milestone at their thanksgiving service at St Jude’s Anglican Church in St Andrew.

As the business evolved, so did its offerings, expanding from core automotive coatings into decorative, industrial, and specialty product lines designed to meet a wide range of customer needs. Equally important has been the company’s ability to adapt. Through shifting economic conditions and periods of global uncertainty, EdgeChem maintained continuity in its operations while continuing to refine its processes and strengthen its internal capabilities.

Today, the company is positioning itself not just as a manufacturer and distributor, but as a solutions-driven organisation, focused on delivering value through technical expertise, customer insight, and continuous improvement.

“The 35th year is not a celebration of the past; it is a launchpad for the future,” Petrie said.

Beyond business growth, EdgeChem has also prioritised its role within the wider society. Through ongoing partnerships and initiatives, the company has supported improvements to community spaces and institutions, reinforcing its belief that business success should translate into tangible national impact. This dual focus – commercial performance and community contribution – continues to shape its approach as it enters its next phase.

The commemorative thanksgiving service at St Jude’s Anglican Church brought together team members and stakeholders in a moment of reflection, marking both the progress achieved and the path ahead. As the anniversary year unfolds, EdgeChem plans to engage customers and communities through a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening relationships and extending its reach across the island.

As it approaches April 29, the milestone represents more than longevity. It speaks to a journey defined by perseverance, evolving partnerships, and a commitment to continuous improvement, building a legacy that continues to shape industries and communities across Jamaica, one colour, one coating, and one community at a time.