Our Story

Daniel N. Calkins and Clarence P. Crowell founded Rochester Germicide Company from the purchase of the Rochester, New York chapter of Aromatic Disinfecting Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a company that supplied equipment and disinfecting fluids for restrooms. Innovation began to expand the products offered within the Restroom Care space.

In 1898, Daniel N. Calkins paid $8,000 for the patent for the predecessor of the Sanor Machine, an enormous amount in 1888.

By 1907, Rochester Germicide Company had opened sales offices in Boston, Toronto, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland and was manufacturing and selling hand soaps, floor cleaners, disinfectants, and insecticides.

In 1912, the Dowling Place Facility was built where they were one of the first to pioneer the manufacturing of liquid hand soap. The old Dowling Facility can be found in the center of the High Falls Brewery in Rochester, NY.

In 1916, a Canadian subsidiary was added. Sol-o-Kre claimed to take care of many ailments of chickens and animals including mange, chicken cholera, fleas, distemper, colic, gapes and gales. 

In 1928, J&J became an exclusive distributor of Modess, a product in the Feminine Care line. 

In 1937, the Sanor Unit, an integral part of the Restroom Care program, was patented. 

In 1947, Rochester Germicide Company moved to 333 Hollenbeck Street in Rochester, NY, where they resided for over 60 years.

In 1963, Aspden Associates was acquired, the first of 25 acquisitions in post-war expansion.

One of the most significant early purchases was the 1972 acquisition of Midland Laboratories, located in Dubuque, Iowa. The acquisition expanded the portfolio of chemical products. Later, when Rochester Germicide was to change its company name, the name Midland would be included in the new title, significant of the important role Midland Laboratories had in the company’s growth.

To support the rapid expansion, in 1975 the company built a 70,000 square foot facility in Aurora, Illinois, to serve as both the manufacturing and distribution center for the Midwest, Southern and Western United States. Increased efforts in research and development during the 1970’s and early 1980’s allowed Rochester Germicide to add specialty chemical products for water treatment, industrial maintenance and food processing industries.

In 1980, Rochester Germicide Company became Rochester Midland Corporation (“RMC”).

In 1988, celebrated our 100^th anniversary.

In 1989, replaced our Toronto manufacturing plant with a 60,000 square foot production facility in nearby Oakville. The new building houses the headquarters for Rochester Midland Limited, which is responsible for the company’s Canadian operations.

In the1990’s, we had an eye on offering more sustainable chemistry and the Enviro Care line was introduced. The company also received its first White House Closing the Circle Award.

In 2000, Acquired Protecto, Inc. of Ontario, California. This leading manufacturer of toilet seat covers, and other specialty papers.

In 2002, we became the first company in the world to receive Green Seal™ certification on cleaning products. Since then we have certified over 30 products.

Acquired Watermarc (Wales) in 2003, expanding its presence in the UK.

In 2009, we sold our first SOLIDGUARD® chemistry.

In 2010, Expanded water treatment capabilities in California with the acquisition of Aqua Pro Water Management, Inc. of Martinez, CA.

In 2011, New York headquarters moved into a new LEED certified building.

We introduced our SOLIDGUARD® chemistry to our top corporate accounts and they are still using this sustainable option today.  

In 2013, marked our 125^th anniversary.

In 2017, Acquired WellBeing Hygiene, expanding its services in commercial and institutional properties.