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).


"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.


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.