Little did Mr James Pittaway realise the significance of his clients request to extend the pva floor flakes up and onto the walls back in the late 1960’s.  As the second generation Managing Director of a local painting and decorating contractor his practical skills showed when he solved the problem.  His business acumen set the foundation of today’s company, by patenting the system and registering the trade names of Ilumitex ® for the pva flake variety and Ilumitextra ®where the large glitters are included. 

In 1978 Pittaway Special Coatings Ltd was formed to meet the ever increasing demand from both the UK and mainland Europe.  Development of subtle ranges containing Ultra Violet flakes and pearlescent glitters continued.

During 1999 the pva flake manufacturing plant was brought to our Hull factory with the formation of Pittaway Sempol Ltd.  This company manufactures the flake for the Ilumitex ® ranges and also supplies the ever increasing demand from the resin flooring industry.

These solid family foundations are the base for continued improvement and expansion by James’s grandson Roger, the director responsible for these areas.  New worldwide export markets are still emerging for our highly decorative and durable ranges.