Jasol Chemical Products was a chemicals manufacturing company founded in Adelaide, South Australia by Charles George Johnson (1886 – 14 October 1950) in 1934, and well known in that state and Western Australia for its cleaning products and disinfectants, notably Jasol B. The brand is now owned by George Weston Foods. The name "Jasol" was an acronym of "Johnson's Antiseptic Soluble Oils Limited".
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C. G. Johnson
Johnson was a manufacturing chemist who was born in Essex, England in 1886 and led an adventurous life, including a spell of boxing professionally, before arriving in Adelaide in 1925. He first came to public notice as a Parliamentary Labor Party candidate for North Adelaide seat in South Australia's House of Assembly in 1933. In 1945, when he was well known for his association with the Jasol firm, he was elected as Councillor on the Adelaide City Council. He resigned from the ALP in 1947 to give himself more freedom in voting. He consistently voted against generosity towards retiring councillors, mayors and employees, even when he acknowledged that the person had served the council exceptionally well. His home address at that time was 283 South Terrace, Adelaide. He resigned in 1949 to stand as an alderman but was defeated. He was vice-president of the Adelaide sub-branch of the Returned Sailors Soldiers and Airmens Imperial League of Australia. He died in the Repatriation General Hospital, Daw Park and was survived by his wife Millie Johnson.
Foundation
Johnson founded Jasol Chemical Products Ltd. in August 1934 with 2,000 shares of £1 each divided among five shareholders, the others being Millie Johnson, E.G. Lawton, F.G. Lawton and F.E.G. Edwards. The registered office was in Flinders Street, Adelaide. Head office in 1934 was at 57 Gawler Place, with a warehouse at 19 California St. Other premises occupied at various times were ANA Building in 1937 and Epworth Building in 1949.
At the outset much of the delivery was done by Johnson on a pushbike. Most sales were through wholesalers Bickfords and Fauldings.
Factories
A warehouse facility was set up in Flinders St in 1936, then moved to 33 Pirie St in 1942, which remained their head office until at least 1962. In 1960 a greatly enlarged facility was set up in Willcox Ave, Prospect.
Changes of ownership
In 1971 the company was purchased by F. H. Faulding & Co.
In 1986 the brand was purchased by George Weston Foods