1891 Herbert Evans establishes his own paint manufacturing business called Herbert Evans in Johannesburg.

1915 Parthenon Paints becomes the trademark of Herbert Evans.

1949 Herbert Evans and Chrome Chemicals join forces to form Plascon.

1970 Barlow Rand acquires Plascon.

2001 Barlow Rand changes its name to Barloworld which leads to the formation of Barloworld Coatings.

2004 Barloworld Coatings enters the colourant market through its acquisition of International Colour Corporation.

2005 Barloworld Coatings acquires Hamilton Brush, a supplier of brushes and rollers.

2006 Barloworld Coatings acquires Midas Earthcote as well as Prostart Investments thereby strengthening its position in the decorative and automotive segments. 

2007 Barloworld completes its unbundling during 2007 and the coatings business was separated, forming Freeworld Coatings.

Freeworld Coatings lists on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in December 2007.

2011 April - Kansai Paints Co., Ltd acquires the Freeworld Coatings business.

2011 Scheme of Arrangement;

Delisting of Freeworld Coatings Limited on 29 December 2011.

2012 Name changed to Kansai Plascon Africa Limited.

2013 BEE deal with the Public Investment Corporation - purchase of a 15% shareholding in KPAL.

2013 Expansion into Africa commenced with the purchase of Astra Industries Limited.

2014 Sale of Hamilton Brands.

2011 – 2014 Corporatisation.

2015 Set up of a local JV company in Nigeria.

Incorporation of Kansai Plascon Nigeria Limited.

2016  Acquisition of a 75% stake in Iris Green s.r.l (Italy)

Developed a green fields operation in Kenya.

Incorporation of Kansai Plascon Kenya Limited.

2017 Signing of a binding agreement for the acquisition of Sadolin Paints’ East African operations.