What's the oldest oil manufacturer still going?

[hardcore302]

Which oil manufacturer was the first to mass produce their product that is still going strong today? Just popped into my head a short time ago.

 

[bustednutz]

Maybe Valvoline? Not sure though.

 

[addyguy]

Schaeffers would be one of them, I'd imagine. Valvoline is another really old name, but it's been through different hands....same with many other brands...Pennzoil...QS.... I know Brad-Penn claims the Brantford, PA refinery is the oldest operating refinery in NA, I think. One home to Kendall, long ago...

 

[Burt]

I assume you mean motor oil in general and not refined products? Since sellers of motor oil are as much branders/mixers as opposed to manufacturers you are talking about the oldest brand name and said brand name may have been acquired and passed many corporate hands over the years.

 

[OldCowboy]

According to Wikipedia, "Schaeffer Manufacturing Company was founded in 1839 ...[and] began manufacturing oils and greases to support the westward expansion during the 1849 California Gold Rush." Also according to Wikipedia, "Valvoline was founded by Dr. John Ellis who formulated a petroleum-based lubricant in 1866 and trademarked the Valvoline name in 1873 in Binghamton, NY. Valvoline has been serving American motorists longer than any other motor oil marketer." This makes it sound like Schaeffer came to the automobile motor oil business after Valvoline.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: bustednutz

Maybe Valvoline? Not sure though.

Standard Oil was incorporated before Valvoline, 1870 vs 1873. The rights to the Standard name in the US are currently owned by ExxonMobil, Chevron and BP. ExxonMobil has full rights to use the Standard name internationally. However, I think Schaeffers is the oldest:

Quote:

Schaeffer Manufacturing Company was founded in 1839 by a German immigrant, Nicholas Schaeffer, in St. Louis, Missouri,[1] under the name Nicholas Schaeffer and Company. Originally producing soaps and candles,[2] the company began manufacturing oils and greases to support the westward expansion during the 1849 California Gold Rush.

 

[BeerCan]

Vacuum Oil ? (now called ExxonMobil) Just a guess, I don't have any real facts. I tried to think of internal combustion engine oil and not lubricating oil in general.

 

[daves87rs]

I think it is Standard as well..

 

[ltslimjim]

Schaeffer FTW.

 

[paulo57509]

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_oldest_companies Oldest (probably not in business anymore): Year: 1568 Company: Kichijiya Country: Japan Field: Oil This might be the oldest (started with veggie oil and perfume): Year: 1789 Company: Nayaden Country: Japan Field: Oil Company Web Site: http://www.nayaden.co.jp/energy/ Translated (check the company profile): http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.nayaden.co.jp/energy/&ei=3zMeT8iQMpTXiQLsk6HlCw&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CE8Q7gEwAw&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dnayaden%2Boil%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3DiRE%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26prmd%3Dimvns

 

[Michael_P]

Dang. I thought it would be Sinclair since they use a dinosaur in their logo.

 

[chevrofreak]

Originally Posted By: Michael_P

Dang. I thought it would be Sinclair since they use a dinosaur in their logo.

Funny thing is that Sinclair oil is made by WPP, the same stuff that is labeled as Peak, Pro Line and Super Tech in many parts of the country.