3M Acquires Manufacturer of Hand Hygiene Products

3M announced today it has acquired J.R. Phoenix Ltd., a manufacturer of hand hygiene and skin care products for health care and professional use including soaps, hand cleansers, moisturizing and protecting creams, antimicrobial soaps and sanitizing gels, shampoo and body wash. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Proper handwashing remains the primary defense in preventing the spread of infection, especially for healthcare professionals. J.R. Phoenix products are compatible with formulations containing the antiseptic agent chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), and are formulated for frequent handwashers. Its hand hygiene products are sold under the Laura Line brand in Canada.

“The Laura Line brand products complement and build on our 3M brand hand sanitizers and skin creams product line,” said Debra Rectenwald, president and general manager for the 3M Infection Prevention Division. “Adding the Laura Line brand to our offering allows us to deliver a complete line of hand hygiene skin care products to the healthcare market in Canada,” added Brian Young, president and general manager for 3M Canada.

“As part of 3M, the Laura Line brand has a tremendous opportunity to grow by drawing on the strength of 3M’s resources and technical capabilities,” said James Gorloff, president of J.R. Phoenix Ltd.