William K. Westley, a businessman and entrepreneur, retired in 1955 at the age of 38, after years of developing and manufacturing various lines of cleaners and polishes. But two years later, restlessness and boredom set in, and Westley was inspired to go back into business. An avid Lake Erie boater, Westley discovered that flat head marine engines have a lubrication problem that causes major mechanical problems. He developed an oil additive that collects moisture in oil, stops foaming, decarbonizes the engine and includes a high-pressure additive. This product, originally called Yacht Valve Fix (now TVF) was born, and with it the B’laster division of the William K. Westley Company.

In 1957, Westley invented his star product, PB B'laster, in response to problems a friend was having with a phosphate mine in Florida. Phosphate is corrosive, and the damp Florida air exaggerates the problem. Mining equipment could not be taken apart for maintenance and repair because of the build-up of corrosion, phosphate and moisture. Nothing could break through the corrosion—until PB B'laster was developed. PB B'laster penetrates corrosion to allow easy disassembly. And it doesn't stop there. PB also acts as a lubricant and rust inhibitor to extend the life of equipment and make future maintenance easier. Today, PB is B’laster’s #1 selling product.

Bernard L. Porter

Westley was head of this company for 20 years, developing new products and increasing sales. In 1980, Westley was ready to retire, this time for good. Bernie Porter, a Cleveland investment banker, bought the company and began working to increase market share, as the company had limited distribution and was relatively unknown.

When Porter acquired the company, B’laster produced five products: TVF, JB Engine Tune-Up, PB B'laster, Tire Cleaner and Protectant & Polish. Throughout the next two decades, the product offering expanded to include seven more products for use in home, industrial, automotive service, marine and heavy-duty truck applications. In addition, B’laster began offering custom formulating and blending services for private label sales and proprietary applications.

Tom Porter

Tom Porter, Bernie’s son, took over as Chairman in 1998, after spending 7 years in various roles at B’laster. Tom has been instrumental in the continued successes of B’laster set forth by his father. He has worked in building brand awareness, increasing product distribution, introducing new products, and working closely with management to bring in dedicated and highly skilled employees who work hard to make B’laster a nationally recognized brand.

Bill Matthews

At the helm of the company is Bill Matthews, President & CEO. Having been with the company since 1989, first working as a sales rep, and then as National Sales Manager, Bill has been integral in the development of numerous new products throughout the years. Bill has brought his knowledge of the retail market to B’laster and has helped the company place products in several national retail chains. Bill has also built a world-class rep agency force for B’laster Corporation.

In 1997 the company moved its headquarters and production facilities from Garfield Heights, Ohio, to a brand-new building in Valley View, Ohio. The B’laster Corporation has a decades-long history of providing chemical solutions to tough maintenance problems. From a bolt that's too rusty to turn to a trailer door that squeals when it moves across its tracks, Blaster has a product to fix it.

B'laster is also proud to sponsor several drivers in the NHRA racing circuit.