Johnson & Johnson was formed in 1886 by Robert Wood Johnson, James Wood Johnson, and Edward Mead Johnson.
The three brothers established the company in New Brunswick, New Jersey, after Robert Wood Johnson became interested in improving surgical hygiene. Johnson & Johnson initially produced sterile surgical dressings and related medical supplies. Its early work benefited from the growing acceptance of antiseptic techniques in hospitals.
The business later expanded into pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer health products. Its brand portfolio and corporate structure have changed over time, including the separation of its consumer-health business into Kenvue in 2023. Johnson & Johnson is often confused with Johnson Controls, an unrelated company focused on building systems and industrial technologies. The ampersand in the name is part of the company’s long-established identity.