KAO America Inc. history

1890 Kao Sekken (Kao Soap) is launched in Japan.

The laboratory also made new lifestyle suggestions for Japanese consumers through its Science of Housework Magazine (1937). The consumer feedback obtained through the direct interactions and meetings were incorporated into company activities.

1954 Kao begins consumer consultations.

Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Taiwan–Kao Company, LTd. are established in 1964 as Kao’s first overseas companies.

In 1971 Yoshio Maruta became president of Kao and continued the company's emphasis on R&D. Maruta, holder of a doctorate in chemical engineering and 16 patents, invented a process for producing aircraft lubricant from vegetable oil during World War II, when Japanese supplies of petroleum were low.

Research and development opens up new fields Kao established its Research and Development Division in 1976 to emphasize R&D as its business foundation.

1978 Kao introduces the Consumer Consultation Information System (called the ECHO System). Inquiries, complaints, and other customer feedback were compiled in a database to create faster customer response.

Goto, a chemical engineer, joined the company in November 1979 as a manager of a plant in Thailand.

1980s Expansion into Europe and North America Premium beauty brands join the Kao Group Starting around 1980, high-end beauty brands that had established a presence in Europe and the United States joined the Kao Group.

As a result, the company recorded its first year-to-year decline in group net profits since Kao started keeping records of consolidated earnings in 1981.

1982 Kao enters cosmetics market through introduction of the Sofina brand.

[Japan] Kashima Plant, the second domestic chemical plant after our Wakayama Plant, began operation Sales of toner binders for copiers begun Sales of toners begun in 1983

High Point Chemical Corporation, a specialty chemical company based in North Carolina that was acquired in 1987, supplied the raw materials for the Jergens toiletry and skin-care products.

In 1988 Kao acquired the Andrew Jergens Company, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, and placed it within its main United States subsidiary, Kao Corporation of America.

Kao acquires Goldwell in 1989, making them part of the Kao family.

In 1991, Kao launches the first shampoo bottle featuring notches The notches allow you to differentiate between bottles of shampoo and conditioner, even if your eyes are closed or you are visually impaired.

After moving up Kao's chemicals management ladder, Goto became general manager of the chemical business division and purchasing division in July 1994.

In June 1997 Takuya Goto moved into the Kao presidency, taking over for Fumikatsu Tokiwa who became chairman.

In connection with these moves, Kao posted a special loss of Y11.62 billion ($88.5 million) for fiscal 1998.

In 1999 Kao introduced Healthy Econa cooking oil into the Japanese market.

In September 2000 the Ban line of roll-on and stick antiperspirants and deodorants was acquired from Chattem, Inc. for $166.5 million.

The product, touted to prevent the development of fat deposits, became a smash hit, despite a premium price tag, with sales reaching Y10.4 billion ($83.9 million) by 2001.

Jergens next acquired John Frieda Professional Hair Care, Inc. in September 2002 for $450 million, Kao's largest acquisition yet.

Then in 2004 Kao began selling Sofina cosmetics products in China.

Back home, Kao expanded in early 2006 through the acquisition of Kanebo Cosmetics Inc., one of Japan's leading cosmetics companies.

2009 Conserving water and electricity during product use: Kao launches Attack Neo, an ultra-concentrated liquid laundry detergent Kao introduces a laundry detergent with powerful cleaning results, as well as an improved ability to be easily rinsed away.

2012 – Environmental protection activities in China In cooperation with the environmental activities of the Chinese government, Kao is raising awareness for conserving water and the importance of water resources.

Kao developed new technology to overcome this challenge and succeeded in developing a detergent that demonstrates outstanding cleansing results. For example, Kao launched Attack Jaz1 in Indonesia in 2014.