Companies That Manufacture Wildly Different Products Simultaneously
- - Companies That Manufacture Wildly Different Products Simultaneously
Edward ClarkDecember 18, 2025 at 9:05 PM
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Most companies stick to their lane and build on what they know. But a few take a detour into totally unrelated industries, and it works. These brands juggle products you wouldn’t expect to share a logo. Here’s a look at companies doing two very different things at once—and doing them well.
Guinness: Drink And World Records
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In the 1950s, the managing director of Guinness Brewery sought to resolve pub debates about facts on which no one could agree. Instead of hiring a trivia referee, he published a book. The Guinness Book of Records quickly outgrew its barroom roots and became a global authority on everything extreme.
Yamaha: Pianos And Motorcycles
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Yamaha started in the late 19th century as a maker of pianos and reed organs, and that musical identity still defines a big part of the brand today. After World War II, the company explored new directions as Japan rebuilt its industries, eventually leading to the creation of Yamaha Motor Co. in 1955.
Samsung: TVs, Phones, And Oil Tankers
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Samsung is a tech giant, but its roots go back to dried fish and noodles. Over the decades, it expanded into shipbuilding, construction, insurance, and the semiconductor industry.
Coors: Drink And Ceramics
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During Prohibition, Coors needed to survive without its signature product. It leaned into ceramics, which it had previously explored by leasing space to a pottery company. The side gig became a lifeline. Today, CoorsTek produces advanced ceramics for applications such as artificial hips and aerospace.
Sony: Consoles, Cameras, And Record Labels
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Sony makes gadgets, sure, but it also signs music artists and releases blockbuster movies. The mix came from early ambitions to control both the hardware and content side of entertainment. Buying Columbia Pictures and launching the PlayStation turned Sony into a household name across generations.
3M: Sticky Notes And Space Tech
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The company behind Post-it Notes also supplies materials to the aerospace industry. 3M began as a mining venture in Minnesota before transitioning into abrasives and safety products. Over time, it built a reputation for quiet innovation. The same company that made Scotch Tape also developed materials used inside aircraft and medical devices.
PepsiCo: Soda And Oatmeal
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Alongside its drinks, the company owns snack and food brands like Frito-Lay, Quaker Oats, and Sabra. That’s how the same parent company makes Mountain Dew and maple-flavored instant oatmeal. It’s a mix of indulgent and wholesome that helps PepsiCo cover both ends of the grocery store.
Honda: Lawnmowers And Private Jets
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Honda's known for cars and motorcycles, but it also builds engines for boats, generators, and even a small business jet. The HondaJet, which first took flight in 2003, is designed for fuel efficiency and low noise. Meanwhile, the same logo appears on a $250 push mower.
Bridgestone: Tires And Golf Balls
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Shojiro Ishibashi, the founder of Bridgestone, was passionate about tires. He also loved golf. Eventually, that second hobby became serious business. Bridgestone applied its rubber expertise to golf balls and built a significant name in both industries. It now sponsors both racing teams and pro golfers.
Michelin: Tires And Restaurant Stars
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The Michelin Guide began as a marketing tool to get people to drive more—and wear out their tires. In 1900, few people owned cars, so Michelin published a booklet with travel tips, repair shop listings, and eventually, restaurant ratings. The star system came later, signaling where drivers could expect exceptional meals.
Source: “AOL Money”
