Nearly a year ago, word got out that Gojo was exploring a sale. The privately-held company saw its profile and profits soar during the covid-19 pandemic. But as health concerns diminished, so did sanitizer sales. As a result, Gojo executives listened to potential buyers, but at the end of the day decided not to sell.

In August, President and CEO Carey Jaros told the Akron Beacon Journal that the company found a path forward that enables Gojo to remain “an independent family enterprise and purpose-driven market leader.”

But that path included eliminating nearly 10% of its workforce—primarily salaried staff.

Now, the company is focused on innovation. The new Purell ES10 Touch-Free Dispenser promises less maintenance due to a number of innovations. The ES10 has a battery built into the refill, so staff doesn’t waste time looking for a new one. The large, transparent refills make it easy to monitor product levels, and the Purell Dispenser Advisor app offers a data-driven approach to manage dispensers.

According to Gojo, the ES10 has 30% less plastic per refill, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 38%.

Akron, OH
www.gojo.com

Sales: $370 million

Gojo Industries helps the world experience greater health and wellness by leveraging its 76 years of experience to continually introduce improved ways to keep hands—and the surfaces they frequently touch—clean. That focus paired with three generations of family leadership places Gojo again on Happi’s Top 50 list for 2022.

Gojo’s new Purell foam can be used at home.

In recent Happi headlines, Gojo Industries rolled out an outdoor dispensing system for its industry-leading hand sanitizer. Traditional dispensing solutions are generally designed for indoor settings while the Purell CS4 All-Weather Dispensing System enables commercial and municipal buyers to offer hand sanitizer and hand soap in more places. The dispenser is made from an engineered resin that is more than three times stronger than materials used in most dispensers, noted Gojo.

The design is water-resistant to help keep the rain out and deter vandalism or refill theft. Further, special graphite paint makes it resistant to UV fading so that it will maintain its performance and appearance in a wide range of extreme conditions and temperatures (-40°F to 122°F). The new design means it can be installed in high-traffic areas like fuel stations, restrooms, mass transit hubs, playgrounds, outdoor dining and non-temperature-controlled indoor environments such as storage units, automotive repair garages and parking garages.

The Purell CS4 All-Weather Dispensing System underwent over 5,400 hours of internal, third-party and live field testing to prove it can survive in the elements.

Akron, OH
www.gojo.com

Sales $390 million

Gojo Industries helps the world experience greater health and wellness by leveraging its 75 years of experience to continually introduce improved ways to keep hands, and the surfaces they frequently touch, clean. The clearest example of this commitment is its Purell brand—a badge of hand and surface hygiene that is trusted in hospitals, restaurants, schools, businesses, airports, entertainment venues, and homes throughout the world.

Never before has the Purell brand played such an essential role than in 2020. Gojo Industries rose to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic in remarkable ways. Gojo team members, suppliers and distributor partners delivered more health and well-being than ever before to people and places around the world that needed them most. The company produced and distributed three times the number of Purell Hand Sanitizer bottles in 2020 than it did in 2019 – all while maintaining its innovation engine and new product development momentum. GOJO Industries also dramatically increased its capacity and capability by tripling its manufacturing and distribution facilities, activating more than 2.5 million square feet of manufacturing space, and adding more than 500 team members.

According to the company, it is in a tremendous position to learn from and celebrate its first 75 years of success and launch into the next 75 years with a sense of audacious optimism and possibility coupled with a deep commitment to its purpose, saving lives and making life better through well-being solutions. The clear focus of Gojo’s Purpose paired with three generations of family leadership willing to continually invest in the business allows the company to create true sustainable value that benefits society and continues its growth trajectory, the Happi Top 50 company stated.

Akron, OH
www.gojo.com
Sales: $392 million

During the COVID-19 pandemic Gojo’s Purell is the go-to hand sanitizer for many consumers. Prior to the pandemic, observers said Purell controlled 25% of the US hand sanitizer market—a market share that is surely growing in 2020.

Gojo Industries continues its tradition of combining leaders from inside the Kanfer family and beyond with the announcement of Carey Jaros as the 73-year-old family enterprise’s new president and chief executive officer; she stepped into the role Jan. 1, 2020, at which time Mark Lerner became senior advisor and president emeritus. In this new role, Lerner will sponsor key enterprise project teams, working as an advisor, coach, and mentor to Gojo leadership team members. He will also continue to serve on the board.

It’s been an interesting year so far for this leading cleaning brand. The maker of Purell hand sanitizer faced two class-action lawsuits in March accusing it of “misleading claims” that it can prevent “99.9 percent of illness-causing germs.”

The most recent lawsuit, filed by four people on March 13 in federal court for the Northeastern District of Ohio, comes as retailers scrambled to keep hand sanitizer in stock amid a coronavirus outbreak that has infected more than 300,000 people around the world. A separate class-action lawsuit was filed in 2020 in the same federal court by different plaintiffs.

In January, the US Food and Drug Administration sent a letter to the maker of Purell warning Gojo against making unsubstantiated claims about the effectiveness of its products. The FDA cited several advertising campaigns suggesting that Purell could prevent the flu, ebola, norovirus and other potentially deadly diseases.

Still, the company stepped up to pitch in to stop the spread of COVID-19. In May, Gojo and supplier Lubrizol, also based in northeast Ohio, joined together to donate more than 16,000 liters, or the equivalent of nearly 65,000 8 oz. bottles of Purell Hand Sanitizer, to local hospitals. This announcement came at a time that Ohio hospitals were preparing for an influx of patients.

Gojo and Lubrizol worked with the CEOs of each hospital system in Cuyahoga, Summit and Wayne Counties to provide a 1-liter bottle of hand sanitizer to every patient room, for the months of April and May.

At press time, it was reported that Gojo continues expanding its capacity to meet exponential increases in demand for Purell sanitizer, soap, wipes, and surface spray, as more and more businesses and institutions reopen with a sharp focus on cleanliness and hygiene. By running its facilities 24/7, working with its existing suppliers to dramatically increase raw materials and component supplies, and by implementing creative partnerships with other companies that have directed bottles and caps its way, the company is producing more than two times the amount of product pre-pandemic.

Gojo recently signed a lease agreement for a facility in Navarre, OH, which will be used for storage and distribution. More recently, Gojo announced the purchase of a 325,000-square-foot facility in Maple Heights, OH, where it will manufacture Purell Surface Spray. Purell Surface Spray was launched in 2016 and has won numerous awards for its unparalleled combination of being no-rinse on food contact surfaces with lowest possible toxicity (Category IV), while effectively killing bacteria, mold, mildew, fungi, and dozens of viruses, including Influenza and Norovirus. It is listed on the EPA’s List N: Products with Emerging Viral Pathogens and Human Coronavirus claims for use against SARS-CoV-2. Demand for the product has been infinite since the pandemic began.

These two new facilities bring the company’s Ohio manufacturing facilities to four, including those in Cuyahoga Falls and Wooster. Gojo headquarters is in Akron, OH, and the company also has several manufacturing facilities in France. Gojo employs more than 2,500 around the world and is expecting to add at least 200 jobs with these two additional facilities.

Akron, OH
www.gojo.com
Sales: $337 million

Sales: $337 million (estimated).

After some personnel changes in 2017 when the third generation of the Kanfer family moved up in management, Gojo is faring well in the household and I&I market. Its iconic Purell brand family headed north into the Canadian market in 2018.

Also noteworthy was the partnership between Kimberly-Clark Professional and Gojo Industries to offer a premium Smart Restroom management system in away-from-home environments such as office buildings, airports and universities. This industry-first partnership offers facility managers two best-in-class brands, Scott Towel and Bath Tissue and Purell Hand Soap and Hand Sanitizers, as part of the Kimberly-Clark Professional Onvation Smart Restroom management system.

According to the company, the restroom management system leverages smart-sensing technology in both Scott and Purell dispensers to monitor and analyze restroom conditions in real time to deliver powerful, actionable insights so maintenance teams can increase tenant satisfaction, reduce work orders and have more control over building management.

“This type of smart restroom solution—the integration of two trusted best-in-class brands in paper and hand hygiene—is what our customers are requesting,” said Steve Schultz, president and COO, Gojo North America and international. “Gojo is always looking ahead and asking ourselves ‘how might we,’ and we are pleased to partner with Kimberly-Clark to bring our customers the technology and innovation they need to make their jobs easier.”

Akron, OH
www.gojo.com

Sales: $327 million (estimated).

There are big changes at the top for Gojo Industries. Earlier this year, Marcella Kanfer Rolnick, a third generation member of the Lippman-Kanfer family, assumed the role of executive chair for the 72-year-old family enterprise. As executive chair, Kanfer Rolnick assumes the mantle of responsibility for the viability and vitality of Gojo into the future. Her focus will be to ensure that the conditions are in place for continued sustainable competitive advantage. As vice chair since 2007, Kanfer Rolnick co-led the enterprise with her father, Joe Kanfer, and the Gojo leadership team.

Joe Kanfer, previously chair and CEO, is transitioning to the role of chair and “venturer.” He will mentor, coach and help shape Gojo strategy in partnership with Kanfer Rolnick and other Gojo leaders who are critical to the family enterprise’s ongoing success.

A graduate of Princeton University who also earned an MBA at Stanford University, Kanfer Rolnick helped launch Purell Hand Sanitizer in the consumer market and then established the company’s initial e-business capability and digital strategy in the late 1990s. She also worked outside the family enterprise at a strategy consulting firm, multi-media publisher and boutique investment company before returning to Gojo to take on an expanded role. In addition to her role at Gojo, Kanfer Rolnick also oversees Walnut Ridge, a holding company that manages the Kanfer Family’s investments and philanthropic interests.

The third generation takes over the family business at great time, as one research firm projects global sales of sanitizers will grow 9% a year for the next several years.

Akron, OH
330.255.6000
www.gojo.com

Sales: $280 million (estimated).

The original mission at Gojo to get dirty hands clean without damaging the skin has greatly evolved over the past six decades. Today, it is a leading global producer and marketer of skin health and hygiene solutions for away-from-home settings. Its portfolio includes hand cleaning, hand washing, hand sanitizing and skin care formulas under the Gojo, Purell and Provon brand names.

The company, which is also known for dispensing technology, serves a variety of markets including automotive, education, food processing, food service, healthcare, law enforcement, manufacturing and military.

“Saving lives and making life better through well-being solutions is our purpose at Gojo,” said Joe Kanfer, Gojo chairman and CEO. “This is seen through the continuous development of market leading hand hygiene solutions sold through facilities in the US, United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Mexico and France. It is also evident through the company’s caring and collaborative environment.”

In 2015, Gojo announced it would lease 1.3 million square feet of space in Wooster, OH, to expand manufacturing and distribution operations. The Wooster Campus was in addition to the Gojo headquarters in Akron, manufacturing and distribution center in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, and operations worldwide including those in the UK, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Mexico and France.

Gojo introduced Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Naturals in 2016, refreshing gel made with 93% naturally-renewable ingredients, plant-based alcohol and naturally fragranced with essential oils.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) joined hands with Gojo to launch the Clean Hands Count Campaign on World Hand Hygiene Day on May 5, 2016. This event is a national educational campaign to improve hand hygiene in healthcare settings to reduce the number of healthcare-associated infections.

As previously reported in Happi, Purell is joining Amazon’s Dash Replenishment program, which provides automat replacement of products.

Akron, OH
330.255.6000
www.gojo.com

Sales: $150 million (estimated).

Gojo’s original mission to get dirty hands clean without damaging the skin has greatly evolved over the past six decades. Today, it is a leading global producer and marketer of skin health and hygiene solutions for away-from-home settings. Its portfolio includes hand cleaning, handwashing, hand sanitizing and skin care formulas under the Gojo, Purell and Provon brand names.

The company, which is also known for dispensing technology, serves a variety of markets including automotive, education, food processing, foodservice, healthcare, law enforcement, manufacturing and military.

“Saving lives and making life better through well-being solutions is our purpose at Gojo,” said Joe Kanfer, Gojo chairman and CEO. “This is seen through the continuous development of market leading hand hygiene solutions sold through facilities in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Mexico and France. It is also evident through the company’s caring and collaborative environment.”

In 2014, Gojo acquired Laboratoires Prodene Klint. Based in France, Prodene Klint specializes in professional hygiene, cosmetics and disinfectant products.

This year, Gojo announced it would lease 1.3 million square feet of space in Wooster, OH, to expand manufacturing and distribution operations.

The Wooster Campus is in addition to the Gojo headquarters in Akron, manufacturing and distribution in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, and operations worldwide including those in the UK, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Mexico and France.

With the addition of the Gojo Wooster Campus, Gojo anticipates increasing its workforce over the next several years. The company said it expects to add 30-50 new jobs there within the next year and more than a total of 240 jobs as operations expand.

Akron, OH
330.255.6000
www.gojo.com

Sales: $143 million (estimated).

Gojo’s original mission to get dirty hands clean without damaging the skin has greatly evolved over the past six decades. Today, it is a leading global producer and marketer of skin health and hygiene solutions for away-from-home settings. Its portfolio includes hand cleaning, handwashing, hand sanitizing and skin care formulas under the Gojo, Purell and Provon brand names. The company is also known for state-of-the-art dispensing technology, engineered with attention to design and functionality.

Gojo serves a variety of markets with comprehensive skin health and hygiene solutions, including automotive, education, food processing, foodservice, healthcare, law enforcement, manufacturing and military.

“Saving lives and making life better through well-being solutions is our purpose at Gojo,” said Joe Kanfer, Gojo chairman and CEO. “This is seen through the continuous development of market leading hand hygiene solutions sold through facilities in the US, Europe, Japan and Latin America. It is also evident through the company’s caring and collaborative environment.”

Also in 2014, Gojo acquired Laboratoires Prodene Klint. Based in France, Prodene Klint specializes in professional hygiene, cosmetics and disinfectant products.

“We are pleased to welcome Prodene Klint to the Gojo family,” said Mark Lerner, Gojo president and COO.  “Both Prodene Klint and Gojo, as third-generation, family-owned companies and category leaders, will advance our shared Vision as the global leader in healthy skin and healthy places. The strategic expansion with Prodene Klint provides many opportunities for learning and positive synergies for both organizations.”

Akron, OH
330.255.6000
www.gojo.com

Sales: $140 million (estimated).

Founded in 1946, Gojo Industries, Inc. was created by the ingenuity, inventiveness and compassion of Goldie and Jerry Lippman. Goldie Lippman worked at a rubber factory during World War II and after a hard day’s work, it was nearly impossible for her and her co-workers to remove the graphite, tar and carbon black from their hands without irritation. This set Jerry Lippman on a quest to find a safer, gentler solution. Jerry collaborated with Professor Clarence Cook from Kent State University and together, they invented a hand cleaner that cut through the tough soils, safely removing the soil from hands. Today, Gojo remains a privately-held, family-owned company with Jerry’s nephew Joe Kanfer serving as Chief Executive Officer.

The Lippman mission to get dirty hands clean without damaging the skin has greatly evolved over the past six decades. With a team of microbiologists, research and development professionals, Gojo expanded into specialized markets like healthcare and foodservice in the 1990s. A complete line of products for healthcare was introduced under the Provon brand name..

Creation of Purell hand sanitizer was sparked when a fast-food chain started to face legal action when food borne illness cases were traced to hand-spread germs. At the same time, healthcare associated infections (HAI) were identified as a significant risk in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Concern grew over how to clean hands when soap and water were unavailable. Gojo scientists developed the solution and invented  Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer.

Gojo has recently been introducing some of the most revolutionary products in the monitoring and detection of hand hygiene compliance in hospitals and other health care facilities. The new Smartlink Activity Monitoring System is just one of these technologies. As a wireless system, the Smartlink technology collects data and analyzes the actual number of hand hygiene opportunities compared to the actual dispenses of hand hygiene products, including both soap and hand sanitizer. The data helps hospital execs uncover high and low compliance areas so they can provide the appropriate support to improve and sustain hand hygiene compliance. Gojo also leads the way in the development of hand sanitizer formulations that are ecologically friendly while still just as effective at killing germs. In fact, the new Purell Advanced Green Certified Hand Sanitizer is the only green-certified hand sanitizer to meet FDA germ kill requirements with a single 1.2mL dispense. The 100% naturally renewable ethanol is made with a biodegradable formulation that is free of fragrance and dye.

“Companies pursuing aggressive sustainability objectives find this certified product to be an effective hand sanitizer that helps promote the well-being of people and the planet,” said Nicole Koharik, the global sustainability marketing director of Purell. It is available in gel or foam form.

Gojo continues to evolve the science of skin care with new forms of technology. It has created new forms of hand hygiene products, such as hand sanitizer foam, gel and wipes. Gojo has also created innovative dispensing solutions: touch-free, counter-mount and wall-mount systems, freestanding hand hygiene stations and personal, wearable dispensing systems.

Akron, OH
330.255.6000
www.gojo.com
Sales: $136 million

Sales:
$136 million (estimated)

Privately-held Gojo offers a broad catalog of hand hygiene and skin care products and programs that serve a diverse market.

The biggest news at the company this year, according to sources at Gojo, is the rollout of its Purell Green Certified Instant Hand Sanitizer Certified Instant Hand Sanitizer, the world’s first hand sanitizer to be certified by EcoLogo, North America’s most established multi-attribute environmental leadership standard and certification mark.

The product is made with 100% naturally renewable ethanol in a readily biodegradable formula. Certification by EcoLogo, a third-party eco-labeling program, acknowledges that the product meets the program’s Instant Hand Antiseptic Products standard (CCD-170) for environmental leadership.

The new hand sanitizer packaging features Gojo Smart Flex technology, new lightweight, recyclable PET refill bottles made with 30% less material and the durability of standard HDPE bottles.

Akron, OH
330.255.6000
www.gojo.com
Sales: $130 million

Sales: $130 million (estimated).

Privately-held Gojo offers a broad catalog of hand hygiene and skin care products and programs that serve markets as diverse as health care, food service, manufacturing, automotive, education, government and consumer. In recent years, the company has made an aggressive move into health care. In March, Spartan announced plans to expand operations in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.

Akron, OH
330.255.6000
www.gojo.com
Sales: $125 million

Sales:

$125 million (estimated).

Privately-held Gojo offers a broad catalog of hand hygiene and skin care products and programs that serve markets as diverse as healthcare, foodservice, manufacturing, automotive, education, government and consumer.