Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush

Brand origin and product

Philips Sonicare began as a sonic toothbrush product developed in the United States by a company founded as GEMTech (later Optiva Corporation). The original Sonicare technology and product line were introduced in the early 1990s in the U.S., and the brand rapidly grew in the rechargeable power-toothbrush market.

Acquisition and ultimate ownership

In 2000 Philips (now Koninklijke Philips N.V., commonly called Royal Philips) acquired Optiva/Philips Oral Healthcare and integrated Sonicare into its personal-health portfolio. Today Sonicare is marketed and sold worldwide under the Philips brand and is part of Royal Philips’ consumer and personal health offerings.

Manufacturing and production

While Philips designs and owns the Sonicare brand, manufacturing is largely done in Asia; most modern Sonicare handles and brush heads are primarily produced in China, with some assembly, packaging or regional production/fulfillment occurring in other locations depending on model and sales region. Packaging and exact country-of-manufacture statements can vary by model and region and are typically printed on individual product packaging.

Summary

The pictured device is a Philips Sonicare rechargeable sonic toothbrush handle — a U.S.-origin product line (Optiva/GEMTech) now owned by Dutch multinational Royal Philips. Manufacturing is mainly in China, sold globally through Philips’ regional subsidiaries and distributors.