The Beginning...
Finish Line™ was founded in March of 1988 by Henry (Hank) Krause, then 32, and fresh out of the ranks of
Mobil Chemical Company. Back in 1988, the availability of technically advanced bicycle lubricants, and
especially lubricants that would optimize the performance of sophisticated multi-geared drivetrains, were
quite limited. Krause and Finish Line believed in the efficacy of Teflon® fluoropolymers, and its ability to
address the growing mechanical and lubrication needs of bicycles. Teflon® fluoropolymers were to become the
building blocks for Finish Line’s first product.
By using Teflon® fluoropolymers, special grades of synthetic oils and a proprietary wax-like additive system,
the company was able to create the industry’s first dry-style lubricant, aptly named, Finish Line ‘Dry’
Lube. This lubricant literally changed the way bicycles chains were lubricated. Because it did not attract and
absorb contaminates the way a traditional ‘Wet’ style lubricant would, shifting systems worked better and
lasted longer. The availability of this new technology coincided with the gaining popularity of the Mountain
Bike, which had an inherent need for a lubricant that would not attract grit and grime. In short, with just
this one product, Finish Line was off to the races!
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Growing the Business...
Finish Line began in a small 2,000 square foot garage/factory. Small batch production, product development and
quality control were the focus in those early years. Soon, building brand identity and expanding the category
became a priority. Krause recognized that there was international potential for Finish Line lubricants, and in
the fall of 1989 he went to Europe with a suitcase full of samples. He came back with two distributors, one in
Austria and the other in England. Thus began the global expansion of the Finish Line brand.
After a series of moves into ever larger premises, in 1996, the company finally settled into a 25,000
square
foot facility on Long Island, NY. In this building the company was able to add additional production lines as
well as a separate facility for manufacturing its highly acclaimed synthetic bicycle grease, formulated with
Teflon® fluoropolymer. To this day, the company’s corporate headquarters remain in this building, although
additional production facilities have been established off Long Island.
Current Status...
Finish Line is now recognized as the world's leading manufacturer of specialty bicycle lubricants and
related maintenance products. Finish Line manufacturers over 20 different products for the care and
maintenance of a bicycle. The company enjoys a leading market position in over 45 countries. Its products are
produced in 12 languages, including Japanese and Chinese.
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Finish Line enjoys a close relationship with DuPont, built around the companies’ common interest in Teflon®
fluoropolymer technologies. DuPont has awarded Finish Line exclusive rights to manufacture and market bicycle
lubricants that feature the Teflon® trademark on the package. Finish Line continues to invest heavily in R&D
initiates directed towards its core bicycle business. Krause and team firmly believe that the quest to perfect
the mechanical functioning and efficiency of a bicycle is multi-dimensional, requiring a commitment to
research and product development, a feedback loop from professional riders and keen sensitivity to health,
safety and environmental concerns.
Other Business Activities
In 2004 Finish Line entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with DuPont which allows Finish Line to
manufacture and distribute DuPont branded Teflon® lubricants. These lubricants are sold in channels outside
the bicycle industry, namely, hardware & home centers, automotive & motorcycle, grocery & drug as well as
industrial and other speciality retail channels; (www.performancelubricant.dupont.com).
Finish Line also seeks expansionary opportunities in and outside the bicycle industry, especially with
products where quality and performance are valued attributes. For example, in 2001, the company purchased
Zardoz® NotWax™; (www.zardoznotwax.com).
Headquartered in Denver Colorado, Zardoz manufactures a patented 100% pure fluoro base
lubricant for skis and snow boards. In 2000 Finish Line purchased White Lightning company,
(www.whitelightningco.com) White Lightning
manufacturers a line of patented ‘self-cleaning’ lubricants which
are sold to a very loyal and passionate customer base.
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