Since 1964, R.S. Hughes and Loctite have shared a deep and meaningful partnership that spans decades of technological innovation, industry evolution and mutual growth. What began as a relationship between two pioneering founders—our own Bob Hughes and Loctite’s Bob Krieble—has evolved into a lasting partnership that has stood the test of time.

Sixty years ago, anaerobic adhesives were cutting-edge technology, offering revolutionary ways to secure threads and retain bearings. Loctite was at the forefront of this movement, working side by side with R.S. Hughes as product capabilities expanded and their industry leadership grew. “This was when securing threads and retaining bearings with anaerobic adhesives was brand new, and we’ve been their partner in innovation at every step since then,” said Mike Page, R.S. Hughes Chief Marketing Officer.

Our journey together is marked by a spirit of collaboration, trust and a shared commitment to industry advancement. The strength of this partnership has never wavered. “Top to bottom, both of our companies see this relationship as truly meaningful and significant,” Mike emphasized. “It’s a partnership that has not only survived but thrived over time.”

Michael Fausett, Loctite’s National Distributor Account Manager, reflected on his own experience with R.S. Hughes: “From the very first time I stepped into R.S. Hughes 29 years ago, I was greeted with a warm handshake and immediately welcomed in. Sounds simple, but that isn’t always the case, and that is core to R.S. Hughes’ approach with its key manufacturers.” Michael highlighted the immediate trust and transparency that defined the relationship. “This working relationship carries over through all levels within our organizations—from aligning strategies, to establishing targets, to holding each other accountable and to celebrating our successes.”

One of the earliest milestones in our partnership came in the mid-1980s when Loctite began manufacturing equipment to accompany its innovative adhesives. R.S. Hughes became the first distributor to implement Loctite showrooms, with our Sunnyvale location as the flagship. That same showroom still exists today—a symbol of how our collaboration has endured and evolved. Over the years, we’ve also co-hosted countless customer seminars across the country, educating clients on the latest adhesive technologies and their real-world applications.

Our partnership has continually evolved with the changing landscape of technology and industry needs. From Loctite’s signature threadlockers to cyanoacrylate instant adhesives, light-curing UV technologies and innovations in 3D printing, we’ve been right there with them. “Together, we’ve watched the industry shift from traditional nuts and bolts to cutting-edge technologies like medical devices and electronics,” Mike explained. “We’ve been involved in everything from hearing aids to aerospace components, playing a crucial role in bringing their innovations to market.”

As e-commerce became an integral part of modern business, R.S. Hughes was once again on the cutting edge. When we first launched our website, Loctite products were featured prominently, marking our transition into the digital age. And when Amazon opened its marketplace in 2005, we became the first authorized merchant to sell Loctite threadlockers—a testament to the trust and collaboration between our companies.

One of the key reasons Saunders is the go-to converting specialist is the advantages its association with R.S. Hughes brings to customers. When teamed with Saunders’ extensive converting services, state-of-the-art technologies, vendor network, and product engineers who tailor material solutions to meet the highest design regulations and standards for top OEMs, it’s an unbeatable combination.

From the founders who started it all to the industry leaders who continue to shape the future, the R.S. Hughes and Loctite partnership is, and will always be, a legacy of innovation and collaboration.

“We’ve grown together, evolved together and innovated together,” Mike reflected. “And as we look to the future, our partnership with Loctite remains as strong and as valuable as ever.”