Our heritage
More than 200 years of progress
Johnson Matthey's story began in 1817 with precious metals. More than 200 years later, they remain at the heart of who we are.
Through every era, we've combined scientific expertise with the unique properties of platinum group metals to help tackle some of society's biggest challenges.
Today, our innovations help improve health, protect the planet and enable the technologies that power modern life.
Take a look at some of our most significant milestones that have helped make JM the company it is today.
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1817Our story begins in London
On New Year's Day, Percival Norton Johnson founds a business built on his exceptional skill in assaying precious metals.
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1839George Matthey joins
A young apprentice whose talent and ambition shape the company. When he becomes a partner, the Johnson Matthey name is coined.
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1851Powering the first fuel cells
Scientist William Grove uses our platinum electrodes in the first demonstrations of the fuel cell effect.
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1874Setting the world's standard
We're chosen to make the international standard kilogramme from a platinum-iridium alloy, a benchmark used until 2019.
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1918Our first research scientist
We appoint our first research scientist, Alan Powell, helping to establish a culture of discovery that continues today.
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1920sRecovering more platinum
Our scientists develop the Powell-Deering method for extracting platinum through smelting, improving the recovery of precious metals.
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1960sSupporting space exploration
Our electrocatalysts power fuel cell systems used in NASA's space programmes.
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1974A world first for cleaner air
In Royston, UK, we produce the world's first commercial automotive emissions control catalyst, helping to transform vehicle emission standards worldwide.
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1983Pioneering PGM recycling
We develop technology to recycle platinum group metals (PGMs) from autocatalysts. Today we're the world's largest refiner of secondary PGMs by volume.
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1983Chemistry for better health
We commercialise the first platinum-based anticancer drugs, showing the power of PGM chemistry beyond industry.
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2000sExpanding our catalysis expertise
Entering the twenty-first century, we strengthen our capabilities in catalysis, process design and licensing.
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2000sHeavy duty impact
Expanding our impact on cleaner air, we develop particulate filters to clean diesel exhaust fumes.
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2020Building the hydrogen economy
We begin developing components for green hydrogen electrolysers, building on our fuel cell expertise.
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2026Focusing on our strengths
JM sells its Catalyst Technologies business for £1.325bn and acquires stationary emission control leader Cormetech, simplifying our portfolio and opening up significant opportunity across the power generation, data centre, shipping and mining markets.
