How does Meguiar's make new products?

[Clutch34]

I guess this is a question for either of the Mike's.

Having just recently graduated with a Biology major and Chemistry minor, I was just curious on how the past, current, and future Meguiar's products are made. Does Meguiar's have their own set of researchers coming up with new ideas in a lab all day?

[Markus Kleis]

Re: How does Meguiar's make new products?

I guess this is a question for either of the Mike's.

Having just recently graduated with a Biology major and Chemistry minor, I was just curious on how the past, current, and future Meguiar's products are made. Does Meguiar's have their own set of researchers coming up with new ideas in a lab all day?

I'll let them expand, but yes, Meguiar's has their own lab, chemists, etc

It's truly amazing what they can produce with the resources (number of people) they have in product development.

[Zeta Detail]

Re: How does Meguiar's make new products?

And how many people is that? Is the research department in Irvine? I'm sure us fans of the brand would love to know more about how Meguiar's products are developed and made.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: How does Meguiar's make new products?

Yes, our staff of chemists are based here in Irvine and they handle all research and development of our products - it's all done in house. Well, all research is a bit incorrect, actually. As a product is nearing completion we send samples to people worldwide for testing since testing only in sunny, dry and warm Southern California wouldn't tell us how things behave in different climates. These people report back and formulations are tweaked and altered to accommodate various field testing results, with fresh samples sent back out for further evaluation. Product development cycles vary, and can be as long as a few years to fully perfect.

We have a couple of guys with incredible knowledge of polymer chemistry, which is why we've been able to come up with things like Ultimate Quik Detailer, Ultimate Quik Wax and Ultimate Protectant in the past couple of years.

[speed3blackmica]

Re: How does Meguiar's make new products?

hold up mike, does this mean UP has a hydrophohic polymer technology !? it will bead water !?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: How does Meguiar's make new products?

hold up mike, does this mean UP has a hydrophohic polymer technology !? it will bead water !?

Polymer, yes. Hydrophobic polymer, no. Still, given the nature of the product, it does indeed bead water. But so do most waxes on the market today, and how many outside of Meguiar's actually use hydrophobic polymers?

[speed3blackmica]

Re: How does Meguiar's make new products?

Polymer, yes. Hydrophobic polymer, no. Still, given the nature of the product, it does indeed bead water. But so do most waxes on the market today, and how many outside of Meguiar's actually use hydrophobic polymers?

man thats awesome !

i cant wait to get my hands on it now

[ColonelCash]

Re: How does Meguiar's make new products?

Yes, our staff of chemists are based here in Irvine and they handle all research and development of our products - it's all done in house. Well, all research is a bit incorrect, actually. As a product is nearing completion we send samples to people worldwide for testing since testing only in sunny, dry and warm Southern California wouldn't tell us how things behave in different climates. These people report back and formulations are tweaked and altered to accommodate various field testing results, with fresh samples sent back out for further evaluation. Product development cycles vary, and can be as long as a few years to fully perfect.

We have a couple of guys with incredible knowledge of polymer chemistry, which is why we've been able to come up with things like Ultimate Quik Detailer, Ultimate Quik Wax and Ultimate Protectant in the past couple of years.

<--- willing to test in Nashville, TN.

[speed3blackmica]

Re: How does Meguiar's make new products?

As a product is nearing completion we send samples to people worldwide for testing since testing only in sunny, dry and warm Southern California wouldn't tell us how things behave in different climates. These people report back and formulations are tweaked and altered to accommodate various field testing results, with fresh samples sent back out for further evaluation.

Also willing to test in Bergen County, NJ !

even though the 2010 products already are out, or well, even though not ALL are out they are going to be very soon, im stilling willing to test for 2011 products

[Clutch34]

Re: How does Meguiar's make new products?

Yes, our staff of chemists are based here in Irvine and they handle all research and development of our products - it's all done in house. Well, all research is a bit incorrect, actually. As a product is nearing completion we send samples to people worldwide for testing since testing only in sunny, dry and warm Southern California wouldn't tell us how things behave in different climates. These people report back and formulations are tweaked and altered to accommodate various field testing results, with fresh samples sent back out for further evaluation. Product development cycles vary, and can be as long as a few years to fully perfect.

We have a couple of guys with incredible knowledge of polymer chemistry, which is why we've been able to come up with things like Ultimate Quik Detailer, Ultimate Quik Wax and Ultimate Protectant in the past couple of years.

Wow, that's interesting! I guess this is my bio/chem side talking now, but I'm interested to know HOW they're made: which chemicals are used and how they're combined, how do you determine which scents to use, etc. But then again, I guess that would be giving away trade secrets huh? lol

Need some lab tech's? If I had to work in a lab all day, might as well be something where I can enjoy the products -- more determination to get the job done! Definitely something I'd like to learn about!

[Lasthope05]

Re: How does Meguiar's make new products?

I'm actually waiting for the day that Meguiars or somebody use creates a coating or sealant that contains super-hydrophobic polymers. I think whoever is the first to come up with said product would tip the scales in the industry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFzw-mhmIc4#t=1m07s

[Michael Stoops]

Re: How does Meguiar's make new products?

Wow, that's interesting! I guess this is my bio/chem side talking now, but I'm interested to know HOW they're made: which chemicals are used and how they're combined, how do you determine which scents to use, etc. But then again, I guess that would be giving away trade secrets huh? lol

Um, yes. A little something known as "proprietary information".

[Zeta Detail]

Re: How does Meguiar's make new products?

Thanks for the interesting info, Mike. I always enjoy learning about detailing in general and especially about Meguiar's.

Also willing to test any new developments in Barcelona, Spain! But the weather in this part of my country is very similar to southern California's: temperate and dry.