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In 1922, Lionel S. Precourt and his son, Ray, founded the what is now the Purex Corporation in the family's garage in Los Angeles, CA. The brand name "Purex" appeared in 1923. The company grew as a competitor to the liquid bleach manufacturer, the Clorox Company, founded in 1913 and headquartered in Oakland, CA. Both companies grew in response to the increased awareness of germs in the household, and their role in spreading disease. In 1953, the Purex Corporation, makers of Purex Bleach and other products, operated three West Coast factories in South Gate, CA, San Leandro, CA, and Tacoma, WA. Other production facilities were in Saint Louis, MO, Dallas TX, New Orleans, LA, Atlanta, GA, and Memphis, TN.

PCAD id: 18930