Our Story

The Turtle Wax story started with the launch of the first-ever bottled car wax in 1944. Nearly 75 years later, the Most Innovative Brand in Car Care™ is still capturing the attention of the auto appearance category as the No. 1 selling brand in spray wax, car wash, carpet & fabric care, and more. With product distribution in more than 90 countries, the Turtle Wax brand resonates around the globe, but the brand’s heart remains in its hometown of Chicago, where award-winning innovation is developed to this day.

1930s

The Legacy Begins

Ben Hirsch invents liquid auto polish in the family bathtub.

1944

Plastone is Produced

Plastone was produced in Chicago, Illinois, it was the first premium car polish.

1946

Turtle Wax formed

Plastone™ is renamed Turtle Wax® for its hard shell finish and The Turtle Wax company is formed.

1950s

Turtle Wax enters consumer brand markets

Turtle Wax capitalizes on the popularity of car wax and name recognition and enters consumer brand markets in hardware & grocery stores with innovation in shoe polish, rug shampoo, floor wax, and even a line of dessert toppings (Party Day brand).

1966

First overseas manufacturing facility opens

Turtle Wax opens first overseas manufacturing facility in England. Death of founder Ben Hirsch.

1982

Brand Expansion

Minute Wax® silicone-based spray wax is the first car care product targeted for use by women.

1985

Turtle Wax Car Washes

Turtle Wax creates Professional Products division to market products to the car wash industry.

1990s

Operating in Chicago

Turtle Wax begins to build & operate new state-of-the-art car wash & detailing centers in Chicago area.

1990

Global Expansion

Turtle Wax expands its overseas presence by opening markets in China. Color Magic® is created to match the color shade of an automotive paint finish.

1994

Product launch

Turtle Wax launches Hyper Concentrate® brand of professional products to the commercial car wash industry.

2006

Welcome to the ICE Age

Turtle Wax introduces ICE® the first clear polish.

2009

Product Technology

Turtle Wax introduces Headlight Lens Restorer Kit.

2016

Award Winning Innovation

Turtle Wax wins Product of the Year with Quick & Easy Dash & Glass.

Turtle Wax Power Out! Carpet & Mats Cleaner

2018

Two Time Award Winner

Turtle Wax wins Product of the Year with Power Out! Carpet & Mats Heavy Duty Cleaner

The Turtle Wax Jet Black Black Box Kit contains: 1 Jet Black Black Pre-Wax Cleaner, 1 Jet Black Black Carnauba Wax, 2 Jet Black Black Spray Detailers and 2 microfibres

2019

Decade of Depth

Innovative Jet Black techonology developed 10-years ago