Plough, Inc.

Plough, Inc. was a major American pharmaceutical and consumer goods company founded by entrepreneur Abe Plough. From its origins as a small patent medicine venture, it grew into a diversified corporation known for pioneering over-the-counter health and beauty products. The company's history is marked by aggressive acquisition strategies and innovative marketing, culminating in its 1971 merger with Schering Corporation to form the global giant Schering-Plough.

History

The company's origins trace back to 1908 when Abe Plough began selling a liniment called "St. Joseph's" from a horse-drawn wagon in Memphis, Tennessee. He formally incorporated the business in 1915 as Plough Chemical Company. A pivotal early success was the 1919 introduction of St. Joseph Aspirin for Children, one of the first aspirin products specifically formulated and marketed for pediatrics. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the company expanded its product line significantly, often through the acquisition of smaller firms like Musterole and the purchase of the Di-Gel antacid brand. Post-World War II, Plough, Inc. embarked on a major diversification drive, moving beyond medicinal products into cosmetics and sun care, notably with the launch of the Coppertone brand in 1944. This period also saw expansion into broadcasting with the purchase of several radio stations and television stations, including WMCT (TV).

Products and brands

Plough, Inc. built a formidable portfolio of widely recognized consumer health and personal care brands. Its flagship product, St. Joseph Aspirin for Children, became a household staple. The Coppertone brand, featuring its iconic "Coppertone girl" advertisement, revolutionized the sunscreen and tanning product market. Other significant over-the-counter products included the Di-Gel antacid and the Solarcaine first aid spray for sunburn relief. Through acquisitions, the company also marketed the Musterole chest rub and later entered the cosmetics sector with brands like Maybelline, which it owned from 1967 to 1975. This diverse range of products established the company's presence in drugstores across the United States and in international markets.

Corporate affairs

Corporate strategy was characterized by the aggressive vision of founder Abe Plough, who led the company for over six decades. A key aspect of its growth was the consistent use of mergers and acquisitions to enter new markets, a tactic that included purchasing the R. M. Hollingshead Corporation to gain Coppertone. The company was also an early and sophisticated user of advertising, investing heavily in radio advertising, television commercials, and memorable print advertisements to build brand loyalty. Its headquarters remained in its founding city of Memphis, Tennessee, where it was a major employer. The defining corporate event was the 1971 stock swap merger with the research-focused Schering Corporation, a deal structured as a merger of equals that created Schering-Plough.

Legacy and impact

The merger that formed Schering-Plough created one of the world's largest pharmaceutical entities, which would later merge with Merck & Co. in 2009. Many of the brands pioneered or developed by Plough, Inc., such as Coppertone and St. Joseph Aspirin, remain commercially successful products under subsequent corporate owners. The company's innovative approach to mass marketing of healthcare products, particularly to niche markets like children, influenced broader consumer marketing practices. Furthermore, its success story, rooted in the American South, is a notable chapter in the history of American business and the rise of the consumer healthcare industry in the 20th century.

Category:Companies based in Memphis, Tennessee Category:Pharmaceutical companies of the United States Category:Defunct pharmaceutical companies of the United States