Johnson & Johnson: Scope and diversity as the keys to success
By Danay Galletti
The commitment of U.S. multinational Johnson & Johnson is based on greater scope and diversity. Its success can be seen in almost 140 years of developments and a strong international presence, with around 300 operating offices in at least 60 countries around the world.
Currently comprised of three key divisions: pharmaceuticals, consumer products and medical devices, the initial idea emerged through the efforts of Edward Mead, James Wood and Robert Wood, and the creation of a partnership in New Brunswick, a city in Middlesex County, New Jersey.
The story goes that its promoters built the foundations of the corporation in a paper mill, with the purpose of saving lives through the theories of British surgeon Joseph Lister on sterilization and the dissemination of a line of surgical dressings.
The first president was Robert Wood, who worked to improve sanitary practices in the late nineteenth century. After his death in 1910, his brother James held the position until 1932, followed by his son Robert.
The common stock is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and, according to the Fortune Global 500, more than a century later the corporation ranks 37th on the list of the 500 largest companies in the United States by gross revenues.
Other data provided on one of the richest and most successful companies in the world are the amount of its earnings in the stock market, estimated at approximately 430 billion dollars, and its cash flow, estimated at 25 billion dollars.
However, this giant conglomerate does not escape controversy. Since the beginning of 2021, it has had to deal with 38,000 lawsuits, most of them filed by women, who recognize one of the company’s oldest products, baby powder, as a cause of ovarian cancer.
From its digital platforms, Johnson & Johnson defines the needs of customers and patients as priorities; in addition to care, the construction of “a healthy future,” efforts to prevent pathologies in vulnerable populations and support for health personnel.
The company’s list of commitments includes sustainability, supporting sustainable business practices, addressing the main challenges in the sector, protecting the environment, conserving resources, and promoting businesses that contribute to society.
In April 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration recommended resumption of the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, after determining that the benefits of the vaccine outweighed the potential risks in controlling COVID-19.
Together with other manufacturers and agencies, the company has as a constant maxim the delivery of quality products and the timely fulfillment of its consumers’ orders, while reducing costs and maintaining reasonable prices and coordinating with suppliers.
The drive to excel in a highly competitive scenario also led the company to develop a strategy aimed at predicting users’ needs quickly and effectively, forecasting accuracy and optimizing operations.
Under the slogan “Caring for the world, one person at a time,” Johnson & Johnson consolidates its power as the world’s leading health care company, founded in 1886, marketing its broad portfolio in 175 countries and employing more than 125,000 people.
