1870s
Young entrepreneur Percival Austin Benjamin, a proud Jamaican, developed his keen interest in the popular Jamaican practice of using bush teas, herbal medicines and self-medication into what is now the oldest drug manufacturing company in Jamaica.
1870's
"Kingston Harbour, circa 1870, where many of the raw ingredients used in Benjamins' early range of products would've been shipped in, and manufactured into the trusted items we still use today."
1900
Percival Austin Benjamin received a testimonial from the wife of the Governor of Jamaica, “Lady Hemmings” commending his Jamaica Healing Oil.
1900
Benjamins Healing Oil, the pioneer product produced by Benjamins (formerly Jamaica Healing Oil Factory)
1904
In the year 1904, Mr. Benjamin entered the market of Panama with his celebrated medicines.
1904
Map of Panama, the first international country Jamaica Healing Oil Factory exported to
1906s
Garvey rose quickly through their ranks, becoming a master printer and their first Afro-Jamaican foreman. His mother and sister, by this point estranged from his father, moved to join him in the city. Garvey was also an influential employee and by 1907 was elected the Vice-President of the Typographical Union.
1906
Marcus Garvey leaves St. Ann's Bay and moves to Kingston where he is employed in the printing shop of P.A. Benjamin Manufacturing Company.
1926
The Jamaica Healing Oil became the first Jamaican product to receive a US Patent on April 24, 1926
1928
Unfortunately, Mr. Benjamin passed away on December 26, 1928, from a cerebral haemorrhage at the age of 66.
1928
Perceival Austin Benjamin, founder of P.A. Benjamin Manufacturing Company Limited.
1930s
In 1930, two years after our founder's passing, P.A. Benjamin Manufacturing Company was purchased by the firm of Cecil B. Facey. However, the change of ownership did not derail the company, although the line of products became less patent medicine oriented and the "cures" were dropped. The Healing Oil, Pomades and the already internationally popular Khus Khus line of perfumes continued to form the backbone of the company.
1930's
The hub of much of Jamaica's enterprise, Downtown flourished from the nineteenth century into the twentieth. As attire and transport evolved, so did the way we did business
1962
P.A. Benjamin Manufacturing Company Limited was acquired by ICD Group
1962
Former owners of P.A. Benjamin Manufacturing Company Limited
2000
The current Chairman of P.A. Benjamin Errol Powell purchased the company on September 9, 2000.
2000
CEO and Chairman of P.A. Benjamin Manufacturing Company Limited – Errol Powell
2005
P.A. Benjamin Manufacturing Company Limited ownership changed in 2005
2017
P. A. Benjamin Manufacturing Company Limited made history as the first pharmaceutical company in Jamaica to achieve Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification from the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
2017
Good Manufacturing Practices Certification Emblem
2018
Awarded in ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Certification
2018
Mr. Errol Powell (right), Chairman P.A. Benjamin Manufacturing Company Limited, receiving certificate form Mr. Vivian Brown (left), Director General Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries also pictured are Mrs. Michelle Sturridge, Manager NCBJ and Mr. Christopher Powell Commercial Manager/Director, P. A. Benjamin Manufacturing Company Limited
2020
During the pandemic, P.A. Benjamin met the rising demand for health-related products, including rubbing alcohol, sanitizers, Benjamins Relief and many more products.
2020
Product Shot of Benjamins Sanitizing Powerhouses – Rubbing Alcohol, Antibacterial Soap and Hand Sanitizer
2024
As of 2024, P.A. Benjamin proudly celebrated 145 years of innovation. We continue to expand our reach globally whole maintaining the highest standard of quality.
