S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
American multinational manufacturer of household cleaning supplies and other consumer chemicals, known for brands like Windex, Ziploc, and Glade.
Company Type
private
Founded
1886
Headquarters
Racine, Wisconsin, USA
Revenue
approximately $10 billion (estimated)
Employees
Approximately 13,000
Primary Market
Global
About S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
Who owns S.C. Johnson?
S.C. Johnson is privately held by the Johnson family. Fisk Johnson serves as Chairman and CEO, representing the fifth generation of family leadership. The company has remained private throughout its 138-year history.
S.C. Johnson is privately held by the Johnson family. Fisk Johnson serves as Chairman and CEO, representing the fifth generation of family leadership. The company has remained private throughout its 138-year history.
What brands does S.C. Johnson own?
S.C. Johnson owns Windex, Ziploc, Glade, Raid, OFF!, Pledge, Scrubbing Bubbles, Shout, Mr. Muscle, and many other household consumer brands.
S.C. Johnson owns Windex, Ziploc, Glade, Raid, OFF!, Pledge, Scrubbing Bubbles, Shout, Mr. Muscle, and many other household consumer brands.
Is S.C. Johnson publicly traded?
No, S.C. Johnson is privately held by the Johnson family and is not publicly traded.
No, S.C. Johnson is privately held by the Johnson family and is not publicly traded.
When was S.C. Johnson founded?
S.C. Johnson was founded in 1886 by Samuel Curtis Johnson Sr. in Racine, Wisconsin.
S.C. Johnson was founded in 1886 by Samuel Curtis Johnson Sr. in Racine, Wisconsin.
What is S.C. Johnson's most famous brand?
S.C. Johnson owns several globally recognized brands. Windex (glass cleaner), Ziploc (storage bags), Glade (air fresheners), and Raid (insect control) are among the most widely recognized.
S.C. Johnson owns several globally recognized brands. Windex (glass cleaner), Ziploc (storage bags), Glade (air fresheners), and Raid (insect control) are among the most widely recognized.
History of S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
S.C. Johnson was founded in 1886 by Samuel Curtis Johnson Sr. in Racine, Wisconsin. Johnson purchased the parquet flooring business of the Racine Hardware Company and began manufacturing floor wax and wood care products. The company's first major product was Johnson's Prepared Wax, a floor wax that became popular with consumers.
Under the leadership of Herbert Fisk Johnson Sr. (second generation), the company expanded its product line and began marketing nationally. Herbert Fisk Johnson Jr. (third generation) led the company through the mid-20th century, overseeing significant expansion and the development of new product categories.
S.C. Johnson built its iconic headquarters, the Johnson Wax Building, in Racine in 1939. Designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the building is considered one of the greatest works of American architecture and remains the company's headquarters today.
The company expanded aggressively through the mid-20th century, acquiring and developing major brands:
- **Raid** (insect control): Introduced in 1956, Raid became the world's leading insect control brand.
- **Pledge** (furniture polish): Introduced in 1958.
- **Glade** (air fresheners): Introduced in 1956.
- **OFF!** (insect repellent): Introduced in 1957.
- **Windex** (glass cleaner): Acquired in 1993.
- **Ziploc** (storage bags): Acquired in 1991.
- **Scrubbing Bubbles** (bathroom cleaner): Acquired in 1998.
- **Shout** (laundry stain remover): Introduced in 1977.
Samuel Curtis Johnson III (fourth generation) led the company from 1967 to 1988, overseeing major acquisitions and international expansion. Fisk Johnson (fifth generation) became Chairman and CEO in 2004 and continues to lead the company.
S.C. Johnson has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and transparency. In 2001, the company became the first major consumer products company to voluntarily disclose all ingredients in its products. The company has set ambitious sustainability goals, including using 100% renewable electricity and reducing its carbon footprint.
Controversy, Regulation & Public Scrutiny
S.C. Johnson has generally maintained a positive public reputation, particularly for its sustainability commitments. The company has been recognized for its ingredient transparency initiative, launched in 2001, which was ahead of industry norms.
The company has faced scrutiny regarding the environmental impact of some of its products, particularly aerosol sprays and plastic packaging. S.C. Johnson has responded with sustainability commitments including goals to use 100% renewable electricity and reduce plastic packaging.
Brands Owned by S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. owns 2 brands in our database.
Windex
Owned by S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
American brand of glass and surface cleaning products, known for its distinctive blue color and effective streak-free cleaning.
glass-cleanercleaninghousehold
Ziploc
Owned by S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
American brand of re-sealable zipper storage bags and containers owned by S.C. Johnson and Son, Inc., credited with inventing the resealable bag category over 50 years ago.
storage-bagsfood-storagezipper-bags
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S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Family ownership enables long-term strategic focus without quarterly earnings pressure
- +Iconic brand portfolio (Windex, Ziploc, Glade, Raid, OFF!, Pledge) with strong consumer recognition
- +Pioneer in ingredient transparency and sustainability in the consumer goods industry
- +Frank Lloyd Wright-designed headquarters reflects the company's commitment to quality and design
- +Fifth-generation family leadership provides continuity and institutional knowledge
Considerations
- -Private ownership limits access to public capital markets
- -Family succession planning and governance challenges
- -Competition from larger publicly traded consumer goods companies (P&G, Reckitt)
- -Consumer shift toward natural and sustainable cleaning products challenges some traditional brands
- -Regulatory pressures regarding chemical ingredients in cleaning products
Frequently Asked Questions About S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
Who owns S.C. Johnson?
S.C. Johnson is privately held by the Johnson family. Fisk Johnson serves as Chairman and CEO, representing the fifth generation of family leadership. The company has remained private throughout its 138-year history.
What brands does S.C. Johnson own?
S.C. Johnson owns Windex, Ziploc, Glade, Raid, OFF!, Pledge, Scrubbing Bubbles, Shout, Mr. Muscle, and many other household consumer brands.
Is S.C. Johnson publicly traded?
No, S.C. Johnson is privately held by the Johnson family and is not publicly traded.
When was S.C. Johnson founded?
S.C. Johnson was founded in 1886 by Samuel Curtis Johnson Sr. in Racine, Wisconsin.
What is S.C. Johnson's most famous brand?
S.C. Johnson owns several globally recognized brands. Windex (glass cleaner), Ziploc (storage bags), Glade (air fresheners), and Raid (insect control) are among the most widely recognized.
Sources & Further Reading
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Latest News About S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
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News & Updates
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