Purex (laundry detergent)

Purex
Product type Laundry detergent
Owner Henkel
Country First manufactured in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Introduced 1922
Related brands Purex Bleach
Markets United States, Canada
Previous owners Purex Industries, Inc.
Website http://www.purex.com

Purex is the brand name of a popular laundry detergent in the United States, Canada and other countries.[1] It is manufactured by Henkel Corporation.[2] Purex is one of the most widely used laundry detergents in North America. It takes its name from its original product, Purex bleach, which was a popular competitor to Clorox bleach.

History

In 1922, Lionel S. Precourt and his son, Ray, began to make household bleach from their 400 square foot garage behind the family home at 132 E. 59th Place in Los Angeles, California. The following year, the name Purex was adopted for their bleach product.[2] By 1946, Purex began to produce its first light-duty, dry detergent, under the brand name Trend.

On July 31, 1956, Purex acquired the Manhattan Soap Company[3] (best known for its "SweetHeart" soap bars).

In 1975, Purex liquid laundry detergent was introduced.[2] Purex liquids began the use of its distinctive blue plastic bottle in 1981.

In 1982, Purex Industries, Inc. was acquired in a leveraged buyout by Gibbons, Green and van Amerongen Ltd., the predecessor of Leonard Green & Partners.[4][5] In 1985, the household and consumer products business of Purex Industries, Inc. was acquired by Greyhound Corporation[6] and was combined with Greyhound's Armour-Dial to form The Dial Corporation. By the 1990s, Purex would discontinue its bleach product to focus on laundry detergents.

In April 2004, The Dial Corporation was acquired by Henkel.

References

  1. ↑ "Purex Laundry Detergent: Its Products and Uses". Answers.com. Retrieved February 9, 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 "Triple Action Purex Laundry Detergent: About.com Laundry Product Review". About.Com. Retrieved February 9, 2014.
  3. ↑ Manhattan Soap Company
  4. ↑ "Purex Industries". United Press International. 29 January 1982. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
  5. ↑ "Purex Merger is Approved". The New York Times. 12 August 1982. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
  6. ↑ Hicks, Jonathan (22 February 1985). "Greyhound to buy Purex Division". The New York Times. Retrieved 11 March 2018.


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