Tnemec (pronounced tah-KNEE-mick): an unusual name for an unusual coatings company. In 1921, Albert C. Bean, Sr. made an unusual discovery that marked Tnemec's beginning. Bean noticed a reinforcing bar in the midst of concrete rubble that hadn't rusted in decades and decided to further investigate. Through his investigation, not only did he discover that the alkaline condition of the cement inhibited rust, he used this information to patent a revolutionary coatings formula. As a tribute to this discovery, he reversed the letters of cement and changed the name of his company from Armor Oil and Chemical to what it is known as today. Tnemec.