l With a history that dates back 1878, APV Engineered Coatings is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. The Akron, OH-based company—then known as Akron Varnish Works—started manufacturing wood varnishes and black paint for the bicycle industry and later the automotive industry. The company’s name was changed to Akron Paint & Varnish Co. in 1935. In 1982, now president David Venarge purchased the company and changed the name to APV Engineered Coatings. Today, the firm sells a number of products, including industrial and aerosol coatings, paints and markers, inks and adhesives.