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Dunn-Edwards Opens 100th Store

Manufacturing Paint for the Southwest Since 1925

Dunn-Edwards, the Southwest's leading manufacturer of premium paint, is opening its 100th location in Fullerton, Calif. this week. "We've come a long way since we started 83 years ago," explained Michael Badar, president. "Today we're known throughout the Southwest for our high quality products and Dunn-Edwards has become the largest paint manufacturer in the country to be majority-owned by its employees."

The company began in 1925 when Frank Dunn opened a wallpaper store in Los Angeles. The business expanded when he added a line of paints, and later, with two employees, he began manufacturing his own paints in the backroom of the company's second store. In 1938, he partnered with his friend Arthur C. Edwards, a former painting contractor and pigment salesman, to form the Dunn-Edwards Corporation. It remained a family-owned and operated company until the ESOP was established in 2001, giving a majority of the company to its 1,750 employees. Arthur's son, Kenneth Edwards, has been active in the company and its CEO since 2001.

Throughout its history, Dunn-Edwards has focused on manufacturing paint that is formulated specifically for the Southwest and became known as the number one choice for painting contractors. The professional market accounts for more than 90 percent of the company's sales. "When the pros demand our product, word gets out and consumers are eager to visit our stores, too," said Badar. "It's been a winning formula for us."

Winning indeed, with the company showing 16 years of consecutive sales growth and, for the past five years Dunn-Edwards has opened an average of five new stores per year throughout California, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico. "In 2007, we opened nine new stores -- our most ever," he added.

From the Staples Center and the California State Capitol building to Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas and the Nemo ride at Disneyland, Dunn-Edwards paint covers many of the Southwest's major landmarks. The company is deeply engrained in the communities where its stores are located, providing paint for graffiti cleanup, rebuilding and restoration projects.

The new Fullerton store is located at 1440 S. Harbor Boulevard, between Orangethorpe and the 91 Freeway. A grand opening celebration for the community is planned for June 19. For more information about Dunn-Edwards, visit www.dunnedwards.com.

NOTE: Historical photos are available.

About Dunn-Edwards Paints

Dunn-Edwards has produced and sold premium paint products for more than 80 years throughout the Southwest. Operating 100 stores in California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas, Dunn-Edwards is one of the nation's largest independent, employee-owned manufacturer and distributor of architectural paints and painting supplies. Based in Southern California, the company is comprised of approximately 1,750 employees. www.dunnedwards.com

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