For generations, Procter and Gamble has been built by scientists and consumer researchers; the latter finding out what the public wants and needs, and the former improving upon old products or inventing new ones to match these needs and desires.
Several products were developed during the time period when William Procter's son, William Alexander Procter, took over the company (1890-1907.) William Cooper Procter began working in the company in 1883 and served as president of the company from 1907-1930. During this time, the company's sales rose from $20 million to $200 million. This was a period of growth in which the company built several plants: five in the United States, one in Canada, and one in England.
In the early 1900s, Procter & Gamble also became known for its research laboratories, where scientists worked to create new products. Company leadership also pioneered in the area of market research, investigating consumer needs and product appeal. As radio came more popular in the 1920s and 1930s, the company sponsored a number of radio programs. As a result, these shows often became commonly known as "soap operas."
Throughout the twentieth century, Procter & Gamble continued to prosper. The company moved into other countries, both in terms of manufacturing and product sales, becoming an international corporation. In addition, numerous new products and brand names were introduced over time, and Procter & Gamble began branching out into new areas. The company introduced "Tide" laundry detergent in 1946 and "Prell" shampoo in 1950. In 1955, Procter & Gamble began selling the first toothpaste to contain fluoride, known as "Crest". Branching out once again in 1957, the company purchased Charmin Paper Mills and began manufacturing toilet paper and other paper products. Once again focusing on laundry, Procter & Gamble began making "Downy" fabric softener in 1960 and "Bounce" fabric softener sheets. One of the most revolutionary products to come out on the market was the company’s "Pampers", first test-marketed in 1961.Prior to this point, there were no disposable diapers. Babies always wore cloth diapers, which were leaky and labor intensive to wash. Pampers simplified the diapering process.