From a Boston paper-goods maker to a global leader in advanced window films — every milestone in the Madico story, from 1903 to today.
Madico’s 120-year history is grounded in innovation. Our founders were three families who formed Hy-Sil, a Boston-based company and the forerunner to what would become Madico.
Originally a maker of goods such as leather greeting cards and printed gift-wrap paper, Hy-Sil also became known for metallized products including gift-wrap ribbons, tinsel, and a luxury wrap of paper laminated with aluminum foil.
Throughout the 20th century and through to this day, Hy-Sil’s transformation into Madico continues a rich tradition of invention, innovation, and imagination — shown in the milestone achievements below.
Three families found Hy-Sil in Boston — a maker of paper goods and metallized products that would pioneer the world’s first window film.
Hy-Sil, the precursor to Madico, is founded. David Hyman is named first company president.
Hy-Sil relocates from Boston to Revere, MA, expanding into printed greeting cards, ribbons, and tinsel.
Hy-Sil expands its business to include wrapping paper.
Eli Hyman is named company president.
Hy-Sil’s Paul Alexander builds the world’s first roll-to-roll metallizer.
Hy-Sil successfully commercializes the first transparent reflective window film product.
Hy-Sil becomes Madico and unleashes a wave of film innovation — color, coatings, solar control, and record-setting safety installations.
Hy-Sil forms Material Distribution Corporation — Madico — in Woburn, Massachusetts.
Reflective films with color are introduced by Madico.
Madico introduces films with a protective scratch-resistant coating.
Madico launches automotive and architectural solar protection film.
Joe Wadlinger is named company president.
Madico introduces the first high-efficiency, low-reflectivity, high visible-light-transmission copper film produced from electron-beam evaporation or sputtering.
Madico introduces framing systems in safety film applications and completes the largest known window film installation for a single building — more than 500,000 square feet of safety film.
Madico becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of FSK, a large company with vast pressure-sensitive adhesive technology.
FSK merges with Shikoku Paper Company and Sohken Chemical to form a new company known as LINTEC Corporation.
Safety leadership, world-class certifications, and landmark partnerships expand Madico’s reach across automotive, architectural, and security markets.
Ian Dodd is named company president.
Madico introduces anti-graffiti films.
Robert Connelly is named company president.
Madico undertakes the largest Open Range Blast Testing ever done by a single safety film manufacturer.
Film and attachment systems for European government officials are showcased at ComBlast 2001 and 2002 at the Advantica Test Site, Spadeadam, Cumbria, England.
Madico teams with GE to protect childcare centers, donating safety film to GE’s Project Safeguard.
Madico partners with ClearPlex® Corporation to launch ClearPlex invisible windshield protection film.
Madico products receive certification from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).
ISO 9000-2008 certification is received by Madico.
Manufacturing operations expand to St. Petersburg, Florida, and Madico acquires a solar protection film brand.
ISO 9001 certification is received by Madico.
ClearPlex® Corporation launches the ProtectionPro™ line of on-demand screen protectors.
Madico launches a new premium dealer program for Sunscape® Designer Film.
MadicoU launch — the virtual 24/7 dealer campus
Madico introduces MACS, the Madico Advanced Cutting System — a plotter and design program that cuts any automotive window film or paint protection film for any vehicle.
Paint protection film is introduced by Madico.
ISO 14001 certification is received by Madico.
Madico acquires ClearPlex® Corporation and its assets — ClearPlex windshield protection film and the ProtectionPro™ on-demand device protection cutting system.
New testing and certifications make Madico’s anti-graffiti films the most highly certified on the market.
LINTEC acquires VDI as part of the LINTEC USA group.
A $30M world headquarters, a refreshed brand, and factory-direct service across North America establish Madico as a global leader in advanced films.
Madico invests $30 million in a new world headquarters and manufacturing expansion in Tampa Bay, Florida.
AGRR Magazine names ClearPlex® windshield protection film “Best New Product.”
The Southeast Service Center hosts its First Annual Film Festival & Tint-Off.
Madico re-brands its logo and name to reflect its expansion into diversified areas and a renewed commitment to specialty films.
Black Pearl® Nano-Ceramic automotive film is launched.
Madico acquires the Peoria, Illinois–based Midwest Marketing Distribution Center, enabling 100% factory-direct service across the U.S.
Protekt® Paint Protection Film (PPF) is launched
Madico completes its move into the new world headquarters in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Madico acquires its two Canadian distributors to form Madico Canada — extending 100% factory-direct service across North America.
ShopMadico.com launches for U.S. window film dealers — film, tools, marketing materials, and accessories online.
Madico hosts a Grand Opening Celebration at the new World Headquarters in Pinellas Park, Florida, with more than 350 guests from around the world.
John Storms becomes Madico's President and COO
COVID-19 response — ANSI-certified anti-fog face shields from the Florida plant
Jeffrey Plummer inducted into the 2025 Window Film Hall of Fame
SafetyShield® G2 launch — next generation of safety and security film systems
Madico continues to invent, innovate, and imagine the future of advanced window films and specialty coatings — built in the USA, trusted around the world.