Kurt Ziebart
Kurt Ziebart (27 July 1920 – 12 September 2011) was a German-born American who is best known for inventing the rustproofing process for automobiles.[1]
Early years[edit]
Ziebart was born on 27 July 1920[2] in West Prussia, Germany, before it became part of Poland. He served in the German Army during World War II.[1] After the war, Ziebart became an auto mechanic before coming to the United States in 1953. He landed in Detroit, where he worked at a Packard factory outlet that housed several auto dealerships.
Rustproofing[edit]
It was while working in a Detroit body shop that Ziebart saw the effects of rust and began looking for a way to protect cars against it. That is when he developed the process to rust proof automobiles. The process is often called "Ziebart-ing" or "Ziebart-ed", the generic term for rustproofing.[3][4]
in 1959, he founded Auto Rustproofing Company with two other investors, and opened the first shop in Detroit on Harper Avenue.[5] The company's first franchise was sold in 1962.[5]
Later years[edit]
In 1963, Kurt Ziebart sold his rustproofing company to an investor group. He also sold the rights to the name Ziebart which he registered with the company's trademark, a helmet and shield design. In addition, he sold the rights to the exclusive tooling designed by Ziebart.[5] By 2011, the company he had founded, now called Ziebart International, had grown to over 400 shops in 30 countries.[1]
Death[edit]
Kurt Ziebart died at his home in Williamsburg, Michigan on 12 September 2011. He was 91. No cause was given.[1]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d Nussel, Philip (September 16, 2011). "Rustproofing pioneer Kurt Ziebart dies at age 91". Crain's Detroit Business. Archived from the original on 2018-06-19. Retrieved January 10, 2019.
- ^ "Kurt Ziebart - Celebrity Death". Tributes.com. 1920-07-27. Retrieved 2022-10-02.
- ^ "Auto rust-proofing pioneer Kurt Ziebart dies". 16 September 2011.
- ^ "Ziebart, Kurt | Detroit Historical Society".
- ^ a b c "About Us". Ziebart International. Retrieved January 10, 2019.