Univar history

In 1932, they purchased S.L. Abbott Co. in Portland, Oregon, and, four years later, they purchased a cotton linters sales company in Los Angeles.

In 1936, Van Waters & Rogers’ sales topped $1 million, and by the end of the decade the company was closing on the $2 million mark.

In 1939, Van Waters and Rogers set their sights east of Seattle and purchased the Arthur Pittack Company in Spokane, Washington, thereby creating the company's feed and fertilizer department.

In 1949, Van Waters & Rogers celebrated its 25th anniversary.

In 1951 Van Waters & Rogers secured a foothold in Canada by purchasing Industrial Materials Ltd. in Vancouver, British Columbia.

In 1958, United National Corporation became United Pacific Corporation.

In 1964, With Rogers as a board member, United Pacific, underwent a complete restructuring.

Fast forward to 1966 and Van Waters & Rogers merged with United Pacific Corporation creating VWR United Company.

In 1976, Univar purchased the Great Western Malting Company, the largest maltster on the West Coast.

In 1986, a suitable company was found.

Within the estimated $11 billion chemical distribution market in Europe in 1993, Univar Europe posted sales of $290 million compared with the $1.2 billion Van Waters & Rogers Inc. recorded in the $14.5 billion United States market.