Sunstar Americas, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells oral care products used in the prevention of tooth decay and periodontal disease. The Company's principal products include toothbrushes, interdental cleaners, and other preventive aids. In the United States and Canada, the Company sells products to dental professionals who sell or dispense it to patients, or use it during treatment. In addition, Butler sells products to the consumer retail market stores. In the International market, the Company sells products through subsidiaries or to distributors who sell the product to pharmacies or dentists.

Dr. John O. Butler, a periodontist from Chicago, started the Company in 1923 with the introduction of a 2-row, 12 tuft, wide handled toothbrush that answered the specific need of dental professionals for a fine quality toothbrush that met oral hygiene requirements. Toothbrushes at that time were too large and bulky to reach all the way to the back of the mouth. They were made in various shapes and sizes designed mostly for appearance rather than for any scientific reason.

Adhering to a basic philosophy of research and development in preventive dentistry, Butler remained virtually a one-man business -- Dr. Butler did all the selling, administration, and lecturing himself. The success of his design was demonstrated by the fact that competitors developed similar designs and challenged his market position within 10 years after he began. However, the strength of Dr. Butler's integrity, innovation, and quality reputation allowed the Company to thrive.

While Dr. Butler's philosophy of preventive dentistry gained acceptance, another individual began research into the correlation of oral cleanliness and dental disease. Dr. Charles C. Bass, a physician and Dean of Tulane University Medical School, began studying dental diseases upon his retirement in 1940. He substantiated the theory that oral hygiene was related to dental caries (decay) and periodontal (gum) disease. Dr. Bass also designed the "Right Kind" toothbrush and gave the Sunstar Americas, Inc. exclusive rights to market it. The product is still offered today.

Dr. Butler sold the company to an investment group in 1949 and they expanded the business, adding new products, a field salesforce, penetration in the retail market, and overseas operations or distributors in over 50 foreign countries.

In 1988, Butler was sold to Sunstar, Inc., a leading Japanese manufacturer of health related consumer products. Sunstar's strength and experience in manufacturing, research, and development have enhanced Butler's ability to grow and prosper.

Today, Sunstar Americas, Inc. employs over 600 people worldwide. In addition to its U.S. locations in Chicago and Elgin, Illinois, it has subsidiaries or branch operations in Canada, Germany, and Sweden.

The future for professional and consumer oral care is very bright. Awareness of the importance of good oral hygiene will continue to increase worldwide. Technological advances in oral care are growing at an accelerated rate and Butler is well-positioned for this global growth with high brand recognition and a solid reputation.