history

The Oronite® brand and company, derived from Spanish in reference to crude oil as “black gold,” has been synonymous with specialty petroleum-based products since 1917 when Oronite was part of Standard Oil Company (California).

Timeline showing Oronite as a world leader in lubricant and fuel additives for 100 years- 1917 through 2017. Timeline showing Oronite as a world leader in lubricant and fuel additives for 100 years- 1917 through 2017.

Throughout its long history, Oronite has played a critical role in improving lubricant performance. View PDF >

"Oronite has a rich legacy of innovation including some of the first fuel additives and detergent chemistries that are used in a variety of engines today."

Colleen Cervantes

President, Chevron Oronite

history of innovation

Oronite’s milestones include many industry breakthroughs in technology. The Oronite® brand started as a line of specialty products and ultimately transitioned into a global leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing quality additives that improve the performance of fuels and lubricants. We support our leadership position through research and technical centers around the world that create a comprehensive offering of hundreds of components and additive packages. We marked our 100-year brand anniversary in 2017 with a proud history of technological and product “firsts.” Here are some of the landmark events by decade.

Birthday cake with the number 100 candle on top to depict the 2010s timeline entry. Completed major expansion projects in Singapore, Gonfreville and Oak Point additive plants; announced plans for new plant in Ningbo, China (2012-2017). 100th anniversary of Oronite brand (2017).
2010s
Container ship to depict the 2000s timeline entry. First fully qualified ILSAC GF-4 product (2004). Developed patented marine trunk piston engine oil with carboxylate technology (2005).
2000s
Beaker and test tube icon to depict the 1990s timeline entry. Expanded product range with acquisition of PARATONE® viscosity modifier business. Korea and China offices opened (1998). Opened Asia-Pacific region’s first world-scale lubricant additives plant in Singapore (1999).
1990s
Train engine to depict the 1980s timeline entry. New plant and Technology Center in Omaezaki, Japan. Established joint venture in India. First diesel locomotive engine oil to receive multi-grade approval (1989).
1980s
Construction at plant icon to depict the 1970s timeline entry. Construction began on Mauá plant in Brazil (1977).
1970s
Engine icon to depict the 1960s timeline entry. First detergent additive for natural gas engine oils (1960). Karonite, a Japan joint venture, formed (1961). First deposit-control additive for gasoline to help keep engines clean (1969).
1960s
Motorcycle to depict the 1950s timeline entry. Revolutionary gasoline additive to help keep carburetors clean. First thermally-stable alkaline additive for marine engine cylinder oils (1954). Caltex Central Laboratory opens in The Netherlands. French affiliate, Orogil, formed; construction began on Gonfreville plant (1957). First ashless detergent for 2-cycle engine oils (1958).
1950s
Standard Oil of California logo to depict 1940s timeline entry. First detergent additive for passenger cars (1941). Oronite Chemical Company formed under Standard Oil of California. Oak Point manufacturing plant opened, began supplying additives to help extend the range of the U.S. submarine fleet (1943). First to develop detergent Alkane, the basic ingredient in most synthetic household detergents (1946).
Tractor to depict the 1930s timeline entry. Breakthrough additive package introduced for compounded oil (1935).
1930s
Automobile icon to depict the 1920s timeline entry. First commercial use of chemicals to improve oil performance. Anti-chatter transmission additive (“Zeroline F”) designed for Ford Model T (1925).
1920s
Standard Oil Company’s Oronite Roof Paint product label to depict the 1910s timeline entry. Oronite brand first used for a line of specialty oil products by Standard Oil Company of California (1917).
1910s
Black and white historical image of workers filling Oronite product cans at bottle plant. Black and white historical image of workers filling Oronite product cans at bottle plant.

One of the earliest examples of Oronite delivering value to its customers is the introduction in 1925 of Zerolene® F, an anti-chatter additive used to lubricate fabric transmission bands in the historic Model T Ford. Depicted here are five workers filling product at our Richmond Refinery.