MINNEAPOLIS/CHICAGO – Paint and coating manufacturer Valspar Corp., Minneapolis, announced a long-term strategic supply relationship with Ace Hardware Corp., Chicago, under which Valspar will manufacture and supply Ace-branded paint products as well as make a comprehensive line of Valspar-branded paints available to more than 4,000 Ace retail locations in the United States. In addition, the two companies announced that Valspar has acquired Ace Hardware’s paint manufacturing assets, including two manufacturing facilities located near Chicago.

The relationship combines Ace’s in-store service model and neighborhood store footprint with Valspar’s national paint brand, manufacturing and distribution expertise, and technology.

Valspar will immediately begin manufacturing and distributing Ace’s existing portfolio of Ace-branded paint products. Over the next year, Ace and Valspar will collaborate with retail owners to enhance their paint departments. Introduction of Valspar paint products is expected to begin in the fall of 2013. Ace will retain ownership of its existing paint brand trademarks, including Clark+Kensington^® and Ace Paint, but Valspar will manufacture Ace’s product lines exclusively for the retailer.