Madico History Timeline

A History of Invention, Innovation, and Imagination

Madico’s 115-year history is grounded in innovation. Our founders were comprised of three families who formed Hy-Sil, a Boston-based company and forerunner to what would later become Madico.

Originally a maker of such goods as leather greeting cards and printed gift wrap paper, Hy-Sil also became known for making 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 as shown in these milestone achievements.

1903
1903

Hy-Sil, the precursor to Madico, is founded. David Hyman named first company president.

1912
1912

Hy-Sil relocates from Boston to Revere, MA. Expands business to include printed greeting cards, ribbons, and tinsel.

1920
1920

Hy-Sil expands business to include wrapping paper.

1930
1930

Eli Hyman named company president.

1935
1935

Hy-Sil’s Paul Alexander builds the world’s first roll-to-roll metallizer.

1948
1948

Hy-Sil successfully commercializes the first transparent reflective window film product.

1968
1968

Hy-Sil forms Material Distribution Corporation (Madico) in Woburn, Massachusetts.

1974
1974

Reflective films with color introduced by Madico.

1978
1978

Madico introduces films with a protective scratch-resistant coating

1979
1979

Madico launches automotive and architectural solar protection film.

1980
1980

Joe Wadlinger named company president.

1982
1982

The first high efficiency, low reflectivity, high visible light transmission copper film produced from electron beam evaporation or sputtering is introduced by Madico.

1984
1984

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.

1987
1987

Madico becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of FSK, a large company with vast pressure sensitive adhesive technology.

1990
1990

FSK merges with Shikoku Paper Company and Sohken Chemical to form a new company known as LINTEC Corporation.

1991
1991

Ian Dodd named company president.

1994
1994

Madico introduces anti-graffiti films.

1997
1997

Robert Connelly named company president.

1999
1999

Madico undertakes the largest Open Range Blast Testing ever done by a single safety film manufacturer.

2001
2001

Film and attachment systems for European government officials showcased by Madico at ComBlast 2001 and 2002 at the Advantica Test Site, Spadeadam, Cumbria, England.

2004
2004

Madico teams with GE to protect childcare centers by donating safety film to GE’s Project Safeguard.

2006
2006

Madico partners with ClearPlex® Corporation to launch ClearPlex invisible windshield protection film.

2008
2008

Madico products receive certification from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).

2009
2009

ISO 9000-2008 certification received by Madico.

2010
2010

Manufacturing operations expanded to St. Petersburg, Florida, and Madico acquired a solar protection film brand.

2011
2011

ISO 9001 certification received by Madico.

2011
2011

ClearPlex® Corporation launches ProtectionPro™ line of on-demand screen protectors.

2012
2012

Madico launches new premium dealer program for Sunscape® Designer Film.

2014
2014

New line of specialized film products designed to meet specific needs outside of common architectural or automotive applications launched by Madico.

2015
2015

Madico introduces MACS, Madico Advanced Cutting System, a comprehensive plotter and design program that easily and efficiently cuts any automotive window film or paint protection film for any vehicle.
2015
2015

Paint protection film introduced by Madico.

2015
2015

ISO 14001 certification received by Madico.

2016
2016

Madico acquires ClearPlex® Corporation and its assets ClearPlex® windshield protection film and the ProtectionPro™ on-demand device protection cutting system.

2016
2016

New testing and certifications for anti-graffiti films, making the films the most highly certified on the market announced.

2016
2016

LINTEC acquires VDI as part of LINTEC USA group.

2017
2017

Madico debuts its new Dealer Directory.

2017
2017

AGRR Magazine, the only magazine for the auto glass repair and replacement industry, names ClearPlex® windshield protection film “Best New Product.”

2017
2017

Madico’s Southeast Service Center hosts its First Annual Film Festival & Tint-Off.

2017
2017

Shawn Kitchell is named President of Madico, Inc.

2017
2017

Madico invests $30 million in new world headquarters and manufacturing expansion in Tampa Bay, Florida.

2017
2017

Shawn Kitchell is named President of another LINTEC-owned company, VDI, LLC of Louisville, Kentucky.

2018
2018

Madico re-brands logo and name to reflect its expansion into diversified areas and a renewed commitment to specialty films.

2018
2018

Black Pearl® Nano-Ceramic automotive film launched by Madico.

2018
2018

Protekt® Paint Protection Film (PPF) is launched.

2018
2018

Madico acquires Peoria, Illinois-based Midwest Marketing Distribution Center and its territories in six states, allowing Madico to provide 100% factory-direct service to customers in the U.S.

2019
2019

Introduction of Madico® Choice dealer program designed to to offer enhanced tools and support to help dealers succeed.

2018
2018

Madico develops the Madico Experience, a company-wide initiative focusing on comprehensive dealer support, resources, education, online training, lead generation, incentives, and an integrated marketing ecosystem.

2019
2019

Madico completes its move into new world headquarters in Tampa Bay, Florida.

2019
2019

Madico acquires its two Canadian distributors,  Courage Distributing, Inc. and Window Film Systems to form a new entity, Madico Canada.  With the addition of Madico Canada, Madico now offers 100% factory-direct service to customers in North America.

2020
2020

ShopMadico.com is launched for U.S. window film dealers. Dealers can now purchase film products, tools, marketing materials and accessories from Madico through the e-commerce website.

2020
2020

Madico hosts Grand Opening Celebration at the new World Headquarters in Pinellas Park, Florida. More than 350 people from around the world attended the event including Lintec officials, customers, suppliers, and members of the local community.