Celebrating Over 90 years of Excellence
For more than 90 years, Rainbow has continued to evolve while staying true to the innovative idea that started it all — harnessing the natural power of water to create a cleaner home environment. From its earliest models to today's advanced Rainbow SRX, generations of families around the world have experienced this unique approach to cleaning.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
The Rainbow story traces back to the 1920s, when inventor John W. Newcombe developed an innovative device known as the “separator.” His idea was designed to separate dust and particles from the air without relying on the traditional collection bags used by other cleaning machines of the time.
Leslie H. Green recognized the potential in Newcombe's invention, and the two joined forces to further develop the concept. Their work led to the creation of the Newcombe Bagless — an important early step in what would eventually become the Rainbow Cleaning System.
In 1929, Green established a new company called Rexair — a name inspired by the idea of being “King of the Air.” Even as the Great Depression took hold across North America, the young company continued refining and producing its innovative cleaning system, laying the foundation for what was still to come.
WATER CHANGES EVERYTHING
A defining moment in the Rainbow story came in 1936, when T. Russ Hill joined Rexair and brought with him an idea that would forever change the direction of the company.
Inspired by the way water could be used to control airborne dust, Hill explored what would happen if water became part of the cleaning process itself. The concept was remarkably simple: instead of allowing collected dust and dirt to escape back into the air, use water to help capture and contain it.
That innovation transformed the Rexair system and introduced the water-based principle that would eventually become the heart of Rainbow. By the end of the 1930s, Rexair was gaining attention for offering something very different — a system designed not only to clean surfaces, but to address dust carried through the air as well.
The idea that began with water would ultimately help shape generations of Rainbow Cleaning Systems to come.
GROWTH THROUGH THE WAR YEARS
As the United States entered World War II, Rexair was already growing beyond its early beginnings. In 1941, the company joined forces with the Martin-Parry Corporation of Toledo, Ohio — a move that significantly expanded its manufacturing capabilities at an important moment in history.
During the war, manufacturing priorities changed. Rexair and Martin-Parry contributed to the war effort by producing equipment and components that included radar cases, rocket launchers, ship partitions and protective linings.
Those years strengthened the company's manufacturing experience and capacity. When the war ended and attention returned to everyday life at home, Rexair was well positioned for the economic growth that followed.
What began as an inventive cleaning concept in the 1920s had now grown into an established company — setting the stage for an important new chapter in the Rainbow story.
A NEW KIND OF OPPORTUNITY
By 1948, Rexair was entering another period of remarkable growth. One of the people who would help shape its future was a young salesman from Owensboro, Kentucky named J.V. “Sandy” Sanders.
Sanders quickly discovered the power of introducing Rexair directly to families in their homes. His determination and belief in the product helped him become an exceptional salesman — but his influence would ultimately extend far beyond his own personal success.
As Rexair expanded its sales organization, Sanders helped demonstrate what was possible when motivated individuals were given the opportunity to build something of their own. By 1953, he had become one of five Regional Managers within Rexair's growing national organization.
It marked the beginning of an entrepreneurial tradition that would become an important part of the Rainbow story for generations to come.
THE RAINBOW IS BORN
In 1955, the Rexair Cleaning System entered an exciting new era. After years of development and refinement, a dramatically improved model was introduced with a sleeker design and a motor offering significantly more power than its predecessor.
With this new generation came a new name. Company leaders chose “Rainbow” — a name that would soon become recognized by families around the world.
But Rainbow's growth was about more than a new machine. It was being built through the dedication of independent distributors, dealers and leaders who believed in the product and shared it directly with families in their communities.
The innovations that began decades earlier had now evolved into something much bigger. Rainbow had officially arrived.
A NEW VISION FOR THE FUTURE
In 1959, another important chapter began when J.V. “Sandy” Sanders and his associates purchased Rexair. After more than a decade of helping grow the organization from within, Sanders now had the opportunity to help shape its future.
His vision extended beyond simply building a successful company. He believed Rainbow could create opportunities for independent business owners to build something of their own while introducing an innovative product directly to families.
Under this direction, a growing network of independent distributors and Rainbow dealers became an important part of the company's expansion. Through personal demonstrations, local relationships and a shared belief in the product, Rainbow continued reaching more homes and communities.
The foundation was now in place for Rainbow to grow from an American success story into an opportunity that would eventually reach around the world.
INNOVATION NEVER STOPS
As Rainbow continued to grow, so did its commitment to improving the system. In 1969, Rexair opened a new 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Cadillac, Michigan, providing greater capacity for continued product development and production.
Over the years that followed, Rainbow expanded beyond the main cleaning system with new tools and attachments designed to give families even more ways to care for their homes. Innovations such as the Power Nozzle and AquaMate helped transform Rainbow into an increasingly versatile whole-home cleaning system.
Then, in 1980, Rainbow introduced the D3 — the first major redesign of the system in approximately two decades. Along with its distinctive new appearance came important engineering improvements, including a cooler-running motor and the ability to perform wet pickup.
Each generation built upon the one before it, continuing a tradition that had been part of Rainbow from the very beginning: keep innovating, keep improving and never stop looking for a better way.
RAINBOW REACHES THE WORLD
IRainbow's journey beyond the United States actually began early, with Rexair establishing locations in Canada, Cuba and Mexico as far back as 1947. But it was during the 1980s that Rainbow's international presence began to expand in a much bigger way.
A growing network of independent distributors introduced the Rainbow Cleaning System to families in countries around the world. As the organization expanded, products were adapted to meet the different electrical standards and requirements of individual markets — allowing the Rainbow experience to reach an increasingly diverse global audience.
In 1986, Rexair celebrated its Golden Anniversary with the introduction of the Rainbow D4. Developed through years of engineering, planning and testing, the new generation represented another important step forward in Rainbow's continuing evolution.
What had begun decades earlier as an inventive idea was becoming something much larger — a truly international Rainbow community.
LEADING RAINBOW INTO A NEW MILLENNIUM
As Rainbow entered a new century, another important leadership chapter began. In 2001, Paul Vidovich became Chairman, President and CEO of Rexair, bringing decades of experience within the direct-selling industry to the role.
Having begun his career in direct sales in 1971, Vidovich understood Rainbow from the perspective of the independent distributor. Over the years, he built one of Rexair's largest distributorships before taking on the responsibility of leading the company itself.
Under his leadership, Rainbow continued strengthening its presence in the United States while expanding into international markets around the world.
More than seventy years after Rexair's beginnings, the company had changed dramatically — but the principle behind its success remained remarkably consistent: continued innovation, strong independent leadership and a commitment to bringing the Rainbow experience directly into people's homes.
THE NEXT GENERATION OF RAINBOW
IIn 2019, another milestone in Rainbow's remarkable history arrived with the introduction of the Rainbow SRX. Developed through years of research, engineering and testing, the SRX brought generations of experience together in the most advanced Rainbow system yet.
Its redesigned four-speed motor, enhanced air-cleaning capabilities and improved airflow represented a significant step forward, while the water-based principle at the heart of Rainbow remained as important as ever.
From the earliest experiments with separating dust from the air to today's sophisticated SRX, each generation of Rainbow has built upon the discoveries that came before it.
More than 90 years later, that story continues — evolving with new technology while remaining true to the simple idea that started it all: harnessing the natural power of water to create a cleaner home environment.
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We’re a local team passionate about helping families create cleaner, healthier homes with the power of water.
