Duracell
Manufacturer of high-performance alkaline batteries and portable power solutions.
Company facts
- Founded
- 1924
- Employees
- 3,300
- Headquarters
- United States
- CEO
- Thom Lachman
- Type
- Private
- Funding
- Corporate Round · $4.7B · 2016
- Subsidiaries
- Duracell (UK) Limited, Duracell China Limited, Duracell Batteries BV, Duracell Batteries Limited
About
Duracell Inc. is a world-leading manufacturer of high-performance alkaline batteries, specialty cells, and rechargeables. The company's origins trace back to the 1920s and the partnership between scientist Samuel Ruben and businessman Philip Rogers Mallory. Their collaboration led to the formation of the P. R. Mallory Company in 1924, which initially produced mercury batteries for military equipment, a significant improvement over the carbon-zinc batteries of the era. The 'Duracell' brand name, a portmanteau of 'durable cell,' was officially introduced in 1965 and quickly became a global consumer icon synonymous with quality, reliability, and innovation. A pivotal moment in the company's history was its involvement in the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, becoming the first battery on the moon. Throughout its history, Duracell has been at the forefront of innovation in the battery industry. The company was responsible for introducing the first alkaline AA and AAA batteries and the first hearing aid cell button. The iconic copper and black branding was introduced in 1971, symbolizing the brand's strength and superior battery formula. After a series of corporate acquisitions and mergers, including ownership by The Gillette Company and later Procter & Gamble, Duracell became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway in 2016. Today, Duracell employs over 3,300 people worldwide and operates with global regional headquarters in the USA, EIMEA, and Asia. The company continues to focus on sustainable growth and developing more powerful, efficient, and longer-lasting batteries for a wide range of modern devices, from everyday electronics to critical devices used in professional settings under its Procell brand.