J.B. Williams

The J.B. Williams Company was a prominent American manufacturer of pharmaceuticals and personal care products, founded in 1840 in Glastonbury, Connecticut. During the mid-20th century, the company became a major player in the consumer healthcare market, best known for producing widely marketed over-the-counter brands such as Geritol (a vitamin supplement) and Sominex (a sleep aid). It was also a leader in men's grooming, manufacturing Aqua Velva aftershave and Lectric Shave. The company was a pioneer in television advertising, sponsoring numerous high-profile programs to build its brand portfolio. J.B. Williams was acquired by Nabisco in 1971, and its pharmaceutical assets were later sold to the Beecham Group (now part of GSK) in 1982.