Global Brands OUR HISTORY We have a rich heritage dating back over 130 years. Our story is one of strong growth built on a set of family values, which guided generations to do the right thing as the company expanded around the world. PZ Cussons began in Sierra Leone, Africa, in 1884, when founders George Zochonis and George Paterson began trading commodities with the UK. Nearly a century later, the firm they founded joined with an equally illustrious competitor, creating the PZ Cussons we know today. Over all those years we’ve grown to become an international consumer goods group – home to some of the world’s best-loved and most trusted brands. The bold spirit, energy and entrepreneurship of our founders, combined with strong beliefs about how best to do business and a love of learning from people, are still at the very core of who we are. PZ Cussons’ products delight, care and nourish, and have found a place in millions of households for generations. It’s a legacy that makes us both humble and proud. 1800s 1884 George Paterson and George Zochonis set up a trading post in Sierra Leone George Paterson and George Zochonis set up a trading post in Sierra Leone, trading goods between West Africa and the UK across challenging geographies in a period of slow and difficult travel. The two men shared strong beliefs on how to do business effectively and responsibly, with an entrepreneurial spirit, an eye for great opportunities and a can–do attitude – values that still guide the organisation today! 1899 Paterson and Zochonis open their first branch office in Nigeria Paterson and Zochonis open their first branch office in Nigeria – a country which would become our biggest market employing the majority of our people. 1900s 1900'S Expanding Our Business The 1900’s was a rapid period of expansion for the business, establishing bases across Africa, Europe and Asia. 1948 Soap factory in Nigeria open Paterson and Zochonis open our first soap factory in Nigeria. 1953 The London Stock Exchange PZ is listed on the London Stock Exchange, a fantastic endorsement of the group’s performance through challenging times and two world wars. 1969 Manufacturing base set up The growth continues as PZ establishes a manufacturing base in Ghana. 1975 PZ aquire Cussons PZ acquire UK company Cussons, including leading household soap brand Imperial Leather. 1980S AND 1990S First soap factory in Kenya We purchase our first soap factory in Kenya and establish operations in Thailand, Indonesia and Poland. 2000s 2000 Building for the Future During this period we build a state of the art personal wash Liquids Manufacturing Centre, Innovation Centre and Perfurmery in Agecroft, a new soap bar facility in Thailand, and upgrade our personal and homecare manufacturing bases in Nigeria. 2002 Paterson Zochonis Plc is renamed PZ Cussons Plc. Paterson Zochonis Plc is renamed PZ Cussons Plc. We also acquire niche personal care brand Original Source. Find out more about Original Source. 2004 Charles Worthington PZ Cussons acquires Charles Worthington premium hair care business. Find out more about Charles Worthington. 2008 Sanctuary Spa PZ Cussons acquires leading UK spa brand Sanctuary Spa. Find out more about Sanctuary Spa. 2010s 2010 Acquisitions and Moving Home PZ Cussons acquires leading sunless tanning brand St Tropez, later expanding distribution to over 18 countries. We also establish PZ Wilmar, a joint venture with Wilmar International, building a palm oil refinery in Nigeria and establishing a food ingredients business. Our new International Headquarters is opened in Manchester and the PZ Cussons Beauty Division is established in London. 2013 We acquire Rafferty's Garden We acquire leading Australian baby food brand Rafferty’s Garden, marking our entry into the Asian Food & Nutrition market. Find out more about Rafferty’s Garden. ABOUT US We build brands to serve consumers better with Hygiene, Baby and Beauty at our core. We remain focused on Building brands for life. Today and for future generations Find out more WANT TO KNOW MORE? Get In Touch STAY INFORMED Stay informed with PZ Cussons by signing up for news alerts. Sign up for alerts EXPLORE PZ CUSSONS About Us Sustainability Careers Investors News & Media Modern Slavery Statement BRANDS Hygiene brands Baby brands Beauty brands All brands SITE TOOLS Accessibility Sitemap Privacy & Cookies Terms and Conditions © PZ Cussons 2021. All rights reserved By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies