Founding and Early Days

1908-1942

Vi-Jon is founded in 1908 by John and Viola Burgess Brunner as the Peroxide Specialty Company. After a brief detour to Cincinnati, they brought the company home to St. Louis in 1912. It has been an institution in the city ever since. In 1933, the company expanded its operation and changed its name to Vi-Jon Laboratories, a combination of the Brunners’ names. The new name also inspired a new logo (violets and jonquils) found on the first successful line of cosmetics. By 1942, Vi-Jon’s sales exceed $1.1 million, with a company roster of 70 people.

Expansion and Private Label Leaders

1960-1984

In the 1960s, Woolworth’s starts stocking private brand products. Other national chains start to follow suit. Vi-Jon sees an opportunity in the market. Over the next decade, Vi-Jon diversifies its products. Instead of producing a single batch of Vi-Jon labeled product, the company produces 50 different batches. They’re labeled for a variety of retail chains. By 1979, Vi-Jon employs around 100 people and sales hit $5.5 million. Fast forward to 1984. Vi-Jon is rising to the top of the private brand industry, becoming the largest private brand producer of mouthwash, with nail polish remover and petroleum jelly close behind.

Continued Expansion and Germ-X

1992-2006

In 1992, Vi-Jon purchases a new plant on Page Avenue in St. Louis. Shortly afterward, a compounding section is added, executive offices are moved from the original plant and six production lines are running. Two years later, Vi-Jon purchases Hunt Products, a private brand manufacturer. The company also starts manufacturing antibacterial soap — the precursor to Germ-X. In 1997, Germ-X officially debuts. Moving into the next decade, Vi-Jon merges with another storied manufacturer, Tennessee-based Cumberland-Swan, doubling the size of the company.

A Century of Innovation

2008-2012

Vi-Jon celebrates 100 years of business in 2008. During that time, it has grown to five manufacturing and distribution centers in St. Louis and Smyrna, Tennessee. The following year, John G. Brunner, the third generation to run the family business, retires as CEO. In 2011, Gerald “Jerry” Bowe takes over as Vi-Jon Chairman and CEO. Soon after Bowe takes the reins, an efficient state-of-the-art million-gallon wastewater treatment plant at the Smyrna facility is completed.

The Present

Today, the focus on teamwork, innovation and success are still present as the company continues to produce high quality products for major retailers while also entering new categories.

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