Final answer:
Sherwin-Williams competes with major paint companies like PPG Industries and Behr in the paint industry. Although Valspar was historically a competitor, it is now owned by Sherwin-Williams.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1866, the Sherwin-Williams company was founded in the United States and made significant contributions to the paint industry by inventing a paint that could be applied directly from the tin without any preparation. Competitors of Sherwin-Williams in the paint industry include major companies such as PPG Industries, Behr (a subsidiary of Masco Corporation), and Valspar (now owned by Sherwin-Williams, but historically a competitor). These companies compete in various segments, including residential coatings, industrial coatings, and specialty paint products. They have a strong retail presence and brand recognition that positions them as formidable competitors in the market.