Which Fortune 500 company was founded in 1886 by pharmacist Robert Wood Johnson and his brothers?

Johnson & Johnson was founded in 1886 by Robert Wood Johnson and his brothers James Wood Johnson and Edward Mead Johnson.

The brothers established the company after Robert Wood Johnson became interested in improving surgical cleanliness and medical dressings. Johnson & Johnson initially produced sterile surgical supplies, including dressings and sutures.

The company later expanded into consumer health products, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Its broad portfolio means the name can refer to a corporation rather than one single product line.

Johnson & Johnson is sometimes confused with Johnson Controls, a separate company with a similar name. Johnson & Johnson is a healthcare and consumer-products business, while Johnson Controls focuses on building technologies and related systems. The family connection belongs to the Johnson & Johnson founding story.