Company History

Our History: A Legacy of Precision and Partnership

The story of Paul N. Gardner Company, Inc. (GARDCO) began in 1935 with the pioneering work of Dr. Henry Alfred Gardner, Sr., Director of the Institute of Paint and Varnish Research in Washington, D.C., and his son, Paul Norris Gardner. Their collaboration led to the incorporation of the Henry A. Gardner Laboratory in Bethesda, Maryland, in 1936. When his father retired, Paul Gardner became President and later Chairman of the Board, continuing the family’s leadership in paint and coatings research until his own retirement in 1964.

Determined to continue advancing quality control in materials testing, Paul founded The Paul N. Gardner Company, Inc., focused on distributing, importing, and exporting scientific instruments and laboratory equipment. The business later relocated to Pompano Beach, Florida, where it continues to operate today. After Paul’s passing in 1995, Paul N. Gardner, Jr. became President, carrying forward the company’s legacy with the same spirit of innovation and integrity. His sister, Sandra Gardner Bride, joined the company in 1983 and later served as Vice President.

On July 1, 2019, the Paul N. Gardner Company proudly became part of the BYK-Gardner / ALTANA Group, joining a global network dedicated to advancing measurement excellence in color, appearance, and physical testing. Today, GARDCO’s long-standing values of Appreciation, Openness, Empowerment, and Trust continue as part of ALTANA’s shared vision. Many GARDCO employees have been with the company for decades—an enduring reflection of the family-founded culture that still defines us.

For more than 85 years, GARDCO has been your trusted source for precision physical testing instruments used across coatings, plastics, chemicals, packaging, paper, and other materials industries. Since becoming part of BYK-Gardner, GARDCO now offers an even broader range of testing technologies—from laboratory to production line—backed by world-class expertise and support. As part of the BYK-Gardner family, GARDCO continues its commitment to accuracy, reliability, and responsive service.

Whether you’re verifying a coating’s durability, assessing surface smoothness, or standardizing results across facilities, you can count on us as your partner in precision physical test measurement. Together, BYK-Gardner and GARDCO share one purpose: to help you measure better, work smarter, and achieve consistent, repeatable results you can trust.

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