A Brief History of PBI-Gordon
Private Brands, Incorporated (PBI) was founded in 1947, focusing on formulating products for various firms serving the farm industry. A commitment to quality in manufacturing processes earned PBI private labeling contracts with many major firms in those early years.
In 1956, PBI purchased the Gordon Chemical Company and merged with Johnston Chemical Company. This growth gave PBI specialty products that were initially offered only to private label customers, as well as strong brand recognition in the Gordon’s®brand. Private Brands, Inc. became PBI-Gordon Corporation.
The turf industry experienced rapid growth in the 1960s, and PBI-Gordon was there from the start. The company acquired the patent for Trimec® broadleaf herbicide, giving the company a proprietary product that could be sold under the Gordon’s label. PBI-Gordon quickly became a major force in the burgeoning turf industry, and now offers more than 40 products designed for golf courses and other professional turf and ornamental managers.
In 1999, recognizing the strength that comes with diversification, PBI-Gordon acquired animal and human health product manufacturer Pegasus Laboratories, Inc., and PRN® Pharmacal, Pegasus’ animal health product brand. PBI-Gordon further strengthened the company’s presence in the animal care market by acquiring prominent consumer pet care brand Lambert Kay® in 2010, and with the 2013 acquisition of Pet-Ag®, manufacturer of companion animal nutritional and healthcare products.
One of the most important accomplishments in PBI-Gordon history occurred in 1994, when a leveraged Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) was implemented and acquired a majority ownership position in the company. In 2002, PBI-Gordon became 100 percent employee-owned.
In 2020, the organization was restructured with the creation of a new holding company, PBI-Gordon Companies, Inc., to support the organization’s continued growth.
Today, PBI-Gordon is an organization of more than 400 employee-owners who are dedicated to the company vision of delivering inspired innovations for green spaces, pets, and people.