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 over 100 years- 1917 through 2024. Timeline showing Oronite as a world leader in lubricant and fuel additives for over 100 years- 1917 through 2024.

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

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history of innovation

The Oronite® brand started over a 100 years ago as a line of specialty products. We have transitioned into a global leader developing, manufacturing and marketing quality additives that improve the performance of fuels and lubricants. We have 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).
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).
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).
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).
Construction at plant icon to depict the 1970s timeline entry. Construction began on Mauá plant in Brazil (1977).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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.