In October 1977, the Cortec® Corp. introduced vapor phase corrosion inhibitors (VpCIs) that allow clean, dry, more environmentally friendly methods of corrosion protection for multi-metals. At a time most companies still relied on inorganic chemistries, Cortec established its first groundbreaking technological platform of organic corrosion inhibiting chemistries.
"When I started in an unheated garage in Hugo, Minn., at 30-degrees below zero, Cortec was by far the smallest producer of [vapor corrosion inhibitor] products," said Boris Miksic, founder and CEO of Cortec. "Now 40 years [later] we are [the] world's largest."
Now headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., Cortec’s flagship products include VpCI emitter cups, migrating corrosion inhibitors (MCIs) for reinforced concrete, and recyclable VpCI film and paper for packaging.
In the early years of the company, Cortec focused on only a handful of basic corrosion inhibiting products in various formats. By aiming for a steady growth rate each year, Cortec has come to offer more than 400 different products, many of which are inspired by and tailored to specific real-life end-user needs.