History of Epifanes

EPIFANES - the Greek variation of EPIPHANY - denotes an appearance, a manifestation, a resplendence, or a moment of insight.

Since its establishment in 1902, Epifanes has earned the reputation for setting the highest standards of paint quality in beauty, preservation and performance.

Holland is a nation with a strong maritime tradition. The Dutch are bordered by seas, endowed with lakes, rivers, canals and home of the world's largest harbor. For centuries the Dutch have relied on boats and taken pride in the way they care for them. Boats are the embodiment of the Dutch heritage.

By the 1500's, Dutch seamen had sailed their ships across all oceans of the world. So renowned was their expertise, that Peter The Great, Czar of Russia, came from Russia to Holland to learn ship building for his country. Today, Holland still attracts the most knowledgeable and discriminating boat customers in the world. They know the Dutch penchant for painstaking craftsmanship ensures that their vessels will be the finest possible.

Since the early days of the Dutch Masters, when each master made his own paints, the Dutch have gained exceptional experience in the art of paint making. Artists made paints for their masters to their specifications and by the 1600's small factories had sprung up to cultivate the craft and ensure consistent quality. Holland's reputation spread far and wide for its high-quality paint production. Protective marine coatings began to evolve as the Dutch paint makers developed products for the Dutch marine trade. Today, the manufacture of coatings plays a major role in Dutch commerce.

In 1837, Willem Heeren was born in a small fishing village south of Amsterdam. Although raised in a fishing village, Willem Heeren preferred painting farmhouses in the newly claimed land of the "Haarlemmermeer". During the winter months, Willem Heeren created his own house paints.

In 1902, Willem Heeren and his son Albert, founded the paint company W.Heeren en Zoon, located in the town of Aalsmeer. They manufactured a line of linseed oil-based paints which they named EPIFANES. The company rapidly grew and EPIFANES became well-known all-over Holland. Willem Heeren died in 1933 at 96 years of age, leaving the paint company to Albert. This was the beginning of a period of difficult times. Albert died in the summer of 1942. After his death and the war, the paint company went to Albert's niece and her husband.

In 1951, W.Heeren en Zoon was purchased by Adrian F. Zonjee. Adrian improved and expanded the line of maritime paints. Domestic orders were soon followed by exports to Belgium and then France and Germany in 1955. By the second half of the 1960's, EPIFANES yacht coatings became so popular in both Holland and abroad that the factory doubled in size.

In 1982, W.Herren en Zoon began exporting into the USA. Always considered the coating of choice among the professional working yachts internationally, EPIFANES had the same reputation in America.

In 1985, Adrian Zonjee sold the company to his son Paul, who remains the sole owner. Growth continues in both the United States and Canada. EPIFANES North America was established to better serve the many customers spanning the entire North American continent. Years of combined practical and technical experience ensure support for customers needing assistance with any aspect of the finishing process.

Today, EPIFANES yacht coatings are sold in more than 50 countries on all continents.

Few companies have ever been in a position to contribute so much to the manufacture of their products. The master chemists and expert paint-makers proudly dedicate themselves to the further development of this craft. Their integrity, craftsmanship and vast knowledge of paint technology guarantees products made to the highest possible standard and developing the finest marine coatings possible.