Amazed by the rust deterioration on American automobiles, German immigrant Kurt Ziebart decided to do something about it. After more than five years of development and testing, Kurt, with two partners, formed Auto Body Rustproofing, Inc., in Detroit, Michigan, in 1954. They sold the company in the early 1960s and the name was changed to Ziebart Process Corporation. The first Canadian as well as international Ziebart franchise was established in Windsor, Ontario, in 1962. This marked the beginning of rapid growth in the franchise network.

The Canadian company, Ziebart Rustproofing, Ltd., changed hands several times and was eventually renamed Ziebart Canada. A Canadian, Dan W. Janssen, was appointed executive vice president and general manager in 1978. Expanding the Canadian franchise network, he led the organization in an aggressive program of product diversification.On November 1, 1983, Canada’s Foreign Investment Review Agency approved the acquisition of Ziebart Canada Inc. by Ziebart International Corporation, and Ziebart Canada became its largest subsidiary; Dan Janssen was named president of Ziebart Canada. Doug Johnston was appointed Vice-President in 1989 and in May 1991, Mr. Johnston became President and CEO of Ziebart Canada.

1. E.J. Hartmann(rt.), chairman, Ziebart International Corp, presents a “Distinguished Marketing Award” to Dan Janssen, former president, Ziebart Corporation and Ziebart Canada. 2.  1954—Kurt Ziebart develops rust protection process and tooling.

Ziebart Canada Inc., headquartered in Downsview (Toronto), Ontario, is the licensing organization for over 70 Ziebart centres throughout Canada including four company-owned branch centres. The company’s offices are headquarters for domestic licensing, sales, purchasing, technical support, administration departments and a fully-operational retail centre and training facility, as well as a distribution centre.  As the original rustproofing company, Ziebart has led development of this technology in a highly competitive industry. Laboratory research, extensive field testing and an active partnership with the entire automotive industry have improved Ziebart sealants and methodologies. Ziebart has also established the use of exclusive, detailed specifications engineered for every new make and model of vehicle—domestic and import.

In the early 1980s Ziebart recognized that vehicle owners wanted more than just corrosion protection; consumers were looking for a guaranteed, comprehensive maintenance package that would help prolong the life of the vehicle and maximize its resale value. Today—even though vehicle rust protection remains the number one service—Ziebart centres across Canada feature more than 20 product lines. Accessories include auto alarms, sun-roofs, window tint, auto graphics, splash guards, luggage racks, bug deflectors and running boards. Ziebart backs its products and services with the finest warranties in the industry. The centres also specialize in both full detailing and while-you-wait services. The reconditioning process of cleaning and conditioning a car’s interior and exterior leaves vehicles looking showroom new.

From one man’s invention of an effective rust protection system for vehicles, an international corporation was formed that now has over 800 locations in 40 countries. But even though the company has changed, the tradition of excellence that has been established over the years is a legacy that endures.