# What are some companies that are known for two or more disparate products? (Better explained in OP) **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 16, 2026, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927 "2026-06-16T01:13:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![penultima\_thule](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penultima_thule/32/3833_2.png) [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927/21 "2026-06-16T06:51:58Z")
MRF (originally Madras Rubber Factory) has been India’s largest producer of tyres for decades. It’s subdivision Funskool is a collaboration with Hasbro and manufactures toys and games under licence for Disney, Warner Brothers, Hasbro, Lego, Hornby, Ravensburger, Tomy Toys etc. Also MRF licence their brand to manufacturers of sporting gear, principally cricket and while their rubber products are ubiquitous, the profile of the MRF brand on the subcontinent is probably more for the pantheon of elite cricketers they sponsor. ---
**Author:** ![Horatio\_Hellpop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 7:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927/22 "2026-06-16T07:50:32Z")
In Korea, Kyobo is the premier chain of bookstores–and insurance. Nonghyup Bank, which originally specialized in farm and agricultural banking needs, also has a large chain of grocery stores. And Samsung, the electronics manufactirer, has a string of upscale department stores. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 10:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927/23 "2026-06-16T10:05:23Z")
Companies like Sony in Japan and Hyundai in Korea are effectively the same animal as “conglomerates” like 1990s-era GE in the USA, or “holding companies” in post 2000s USA. That is, they started out long ago in one line of business then kept growing by buying other unrelated companies in other unrelated lines of business and partly or wholly integrating the aquisition into the new parent. That’s a very different thing from a company of any scale that organically created multiple seemingly unrelated product lines. At various times in various countries there’s been a fashion for vertical integration, horizontal fan-out, or very narrow focus in one or both directions. In many cases this has more to do with their home country’s finance industry’s fashions and the regulation thereof, than the commercial logic of the firms themselves. With a side order of whether the company is mostly / wholly privately held or publicly traded. Ultimately it’s all about how a profitable company can best deploy freshly acquired retained profit and perhaps attract outside investment in the ceaseless pursuit of further growth for growth’s sake. The answer to “How best?” depends a lot on when, where, and in what lines of business the company operates now. For nearly any company mentioned upthread, a quick look at wiki will show the corporate history. Seemingly unrelated horizontal lines are rarely organic growth. The prior (WAG 1880 - 1950) trends toward vertical integration have left legacies of outfits running, say, both steel mills and white good factories. Which may have been created organically at the time, one to feed or consume from the other, but are now run as a _de facto_ holding company arrangement with no goods flow between them. ---
**Author:** ![Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/q.q.switcheroo/32/5713_2.png) [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 10:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927/24 "2026-06-16T10:34:37Z")
Rolls-Royce started as a car manufacturer, then began making aircraft engines during World War II. The auto division was subsumed into BMW decades ago, while the aerospace division now operates as an independent company (Rolls-Royce plc). ---
**Author:** ![Thumper668](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thumper668/32/20803_2.png) [@Thumper668](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thumper668)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 10:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927/25 "2026-06-16T10:55:47Z")
AMF started out making cigarettes but became known for bowling equipment, Sunfish sailboats, and Harley Davidson motorcycles. They tanked in the 80s and after major selloffs they now just make bowling gear. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927/26 "2026-06-16T11:33:26Z")
> [@crowmanyclouds](#): > > Singer is known for their sewing machines and their WWII M1911A1 pistol, _Many_ American companies shifted from what they were doing to manufacturing armaments or whatever war materiel during the Second World War. ---
**Author:** ![WotNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e19b73/32.png) [@WotNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WotNot)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927/27 "2026-06-16T11:47:34Z")
> [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](#): > > Bic is known for disposable razors and ballpoint pens. And lighters. ---
**Author:** ![Shakester](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shakester/32/437_2.png) [@Shakester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shakester)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927/28 "2026-06-16T11:51:25Z")
[Nokia used to make gumboots](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nokian_Footwear) as well as electronics. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927/29 "2026-06-16T11:57:25Z")
Hitachi makes construction equipment and vibrators. ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927/30 "2026-06-16T11:59:46Z")
Virgin records, airlines, online casino, hotels, publishing … Trump casino, steaks, vodka, University … ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927/31 "2026-06-16T12:07:38Z")
There was a Bic ad in New Zealand in the 80s that had these lyrics: The lighter you light with The pen that you write with The shaver so quick Another great Bic So pick The one That’s right For you The Bic things in life cost so little ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927/32 "2026-06-16T12:08:17Z")
The Ford motor company started the Kingsford Charcoal business to use up wood waste from producing the Model T. It was sold off after Henry Ford died and is now owned by Clorox. ---
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927/33 "2026-06-16T13:13:45Z")
Guinness makes beer and … manages, certifies, and publishes World Records. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927/34 "2026-06-16T13:45:09Z")
Not since 2001, when Guinness sold it off. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927/35 "2026-06-16T14:25:57Z")
**Coors** – the beer people – also make alumina porcelain labware, notably crucibles. I learned this when I was growing laser crystals and was having expensive fused silica crucubles being made for me until someone pointed out that they were a standard Coors product. Apparently they made their own ceramic fittings for their beer making equipment, and branched out. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927/36 "2026-06-16T14:28:54Z")
Mentioned earlier. > [@What are some companies that are known for two or more disparate products? (Better explained in OP)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927/4): > > Just placed an order today at work with CoorsTek for some alumina tooling parts. They of course also make beer under Coors. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927/37 "2026-06-16T14:33:31Z")
> [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](#): > > (Of course there are other mega-corporations like General Electric that make both heavy machinery and domestic appliances Nitpick: GE sold their appliance business to a Chinese company, Haier, years ago. The stuff is still sold under the GE label - they have the right to use it for another 40 years or so. [Done Deal: GE Sells Its Appliances Business To Haier For $5.6 Billion | GE News](https://www.ge.com/news/reports/done-deal-ge-sells-its-appliances-business-to-haier-for-5-6-billion) ---
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927/38 "2026-06-16T14:33:57Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#): > > Virgin records, airlines, online casino, hotels, publishing … Space tourism. Although from what Wikipedia says, Virgin Group only owns a minority share of Virgin Galactic. In fact, they should be disqualified for this question since they really are a conglomerate. > **[Virgin Group](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgin_Group)** > > Virgin Group Limited is a British multinational venture capital conglomerate based in London, England, founded by Richard Branson and Nik Powell in February 1970. > Virgin Group is recorded by Companies House as incorporated in 1989 and classified as a holding company, although its commercial activities began in the 1970s. The net worth of Virgin Group was estimated at £3 billion as of early 2023. > The Virgin brand's early history is that of Virgin Records, founded in 1970 by Richard Branson and... ---
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927/39 "2026-06-16T14:50:16Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#): > > Virgin records, airlines, online casino, hotels, publishing … Add [cruise ships](https://www.virginvoyages.com/) to the list. I’d like to go on one some day, actually. ---
**Author:** ![Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/q.q.switcheroo/32/5713_2.png) [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927/40 "2026-06-16T14:52:30Z")
Shinola\[1\] makes watches, leather goods and jewelry…and operates a hotel in Detroit. (They also used to make bicycles.) * * * 1. named after, but not affiliated with, the defunct shoe polish brand [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-companies-that-are-known-for-two-or-more-disparate-products-better-explained-in-op/1030927.md?page=3)