United Paints Group Co., Ltd. (UPG) was established by a group of paint merchant wholesalers in 1995. The company’s initial objectives were to satisfy the growing demand of the construction boom in the 1990s, to become a key contributor to the country’s import substitution economy, and to develop a full-scale paint industry in Myanmar.
In 1996, UPG established its first paint factory in Hlaing Tharyar Industrial Zone (1) and started manufacturing an economical emulsion branded as ‘Unitex’ which has consistently been a best-selling budget paint in Myanmar to this day. Since its establishment, the company has experienced rapid growth in terms of product range, production capacity, market share, and its standing as a market leader. The primary driving force behind this success has been a diverse set of entrepreneurial efforts working in harmony.
In 2002, UPG obtained certification for ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System (QMS). In 2008, the company achieved the certification for ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System (EMS) and ISO 45001:2007 Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (OHSAS). UPG also practices Responsible Care Management System (RCMS) of the global paint industry. Subsequently, the company combined all these management systems into an Integrated Management System (IMS).
In 2012, UPG became a participant of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). In 2021, UPG upgraded its ISO certifications to ISO 9001:2015 QMS, ISO 14001:2015 EMS, and ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS.
In 2018, UPG transitioned into a holding structure, assuming the role of an investment company. Consequently, its paint manufacturing business was fully transferred to the newly established subsidiary, UPG Paint & Coating Co., Ltd. (P&C). UPG is led by the board of 15 members, including the Chairman and Vice Chairman, and serves as the holding company for the UPG Group of Companies. The company is now actively implementing good corporate governance.