John Jeppson

John Jeppson(1844–1920) was a 20th-century industrialist in Worcester, Massachusetts, who became famous for founding the Norton Company.

Jeppson was born on July 1, 1844 in Höganäs, Sweden. Jeppson’s father was a carpenter and several of his ancestors were mechanics. Jeppson went to school in his birthplace, but at the age of 12 went to work in a pottery and brick factory. At the age of 16 Jeppson learned how to manufacture architectural ornaments. He worked in the pottery and brick factory until the age of 24. Around the age of 25 he decided to try his luck to America. When he arrived in America he gained employment with Norton in Worcester, MA, which at this time only produced pottery. Jeppson became very skilled at his profession and earned the highest salaries. In 1873 Jeppson managed to produce an artificial emery stone. He continued his experiments and in 1885 the Norton Emery Wheel Company was created with Jeppson as one of the creators. Jeppson became the company’s first plant manager. Jeppson then went on to become the Chief Engineer of the Norton Emery Wheel Company. He maintained this position until his death in 1920.

In 1916, Jeppson became a Knight First Class of the Royal Order of Vasa as appointed by the King of Sweden.

After John Jeppson’s death in 1920 the Norton Company began its expansion. The Norton Company opened up factories in Canada, France and Germany. At the time of Jeppson’s death Norton Company had twelve employees and two ovens. After the expansion of the Norton Company in Worcester the company now had multiple buildings and a huge complex consisting of some 50 buildings.

His son George Jeppson and grandson John Jeppson II would continue the family legacy at Norton, both serving as president and CEO.

The John Jeppson Award which originated in 1958 is one of the most prestigious awards given by the American Ceramic Society. The award recognizes distinguished scientific, technical, or engineering achievements in ceramics.