1924

The beginning

The Ashland Refining Company is founded in Ashland, Ky., USA, as the refining arm of the Swiss Oil Company, of Lexington, Ky., USA. Paul G. Blazer is named general manager of the refinery in Catlettsburg, in northeastern Kentucky.

1936

Combining forces

Ashland Refining is merged with Swiss Oil to form Ashland Oil & Refining Company. Paul G. Blazer is named president and CEO. Sales are $4.8 million.

1941

Pitching in

Sales have grown to $12 million by the time the U.S. enters World War II. During the war, a new refinery in Catlettsburg, Ky., USA, is built to produce 100-octane aviation fuel.

1946

Ashland brand is born

For the first time, products are sold under the Ashland™ brand. Sales rise to $20.4 million.

1950

Valvoline brand is acquired

The Freedom-Valvoline Oil Company is purchased. Less than three decades later, the Valvoline™ brand would boast a sales increase of more than 900 percent.

1956

Success in petrochemicals

The success of our petrochemicals business fuels growth and leads to the acquisition of the R.J. Brown Co. of St. Louis, Mo., USA, the manufacturer of Bronoco petrochemicals. Sales grow to nearly $280 million.

1959

Racing to the top

The Valvoline™ brand begins its ascent to the top of the lubricants world with more employees, infrastructure investments and national advertising. The brand appears in motorsports, a commitment that remains unbroken.

1966

Going on the road

Ashland enters the highway construction and materials market with its purchase of Warren Brothers, the founding business of Ashland Paving And Construction, Inc. Our sales reach $699 million.

1967

Ashland Chemical is formed

Following the purchase of ADM Chemical Group, Ashland Chemical is formed as a division and becomes a leading U.S. chemical supplier.

1968

A 10-digit milestone

Ashland's sales surpass $1 billion for the first time.

1969

Ashland Petroleum is formed

The company’s largest operating division, Ashland Petroleum, is formed. In the same year, Arch Mineral, a coal-extraction joint venture, is also launched.

1970

Ashland Oil, Inc. is created

Shareholders approve changing the company name to Ashland Oil, Inc. A refinery purchase adds the SuperAmerica gas station and convenience store chain to the company’s holdings.

1981

Shifting away from refining

A new profitability strategy includes an emphasis on growth in nonrefining businesses. Acquisitions include water treatment businesses. Sales are up to $9.5 billion.

1986

An instant hit

Valvoline Instant Oil Change™ is established in the vehicle quick-lube business with 70 units. Today it is the second-largest franchised quick-lube business in the United States with more than 880 locations.

1992

Distribution business grows

Ashland acquires most of Unocal’s chemical distribution business, becoming North America’s leading distributor of chemicals and solvents.

1994

One cool acquisition

Zerex™ vehicle antifreeze and coolant, the No. 2 brand in the U.S., is added to the Valvoline™ product lineup. Sales reach $10.3 billion.

1995

Ashland Inc. is created

Shareholders approve changing the company’s name to Ashland Inc. to better reflect our diverse operations. This same year, more than $368 million is invested in 14 acquisitions to strengthen related energy and chemical businesses.

1998

MAP for the future

Ashland and Marathon Oil merge their petroleum refining and marketing assets into a joint venture. Meanwhile, Eagle One™ auto appearance products join the Valvoline™ brand lineup.

1999

75 and growing strong

Ashland celebrates its 75th anniversary. The company relocates its headquarters from Ashland, Ky., USA, to Covington, Ky., USA, adjacent to Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

2002

Advancing sustainability

Ashland introduces Envirez™ resin, the first commercially available unsaturated polyester resin containing a significant quantity of renewable materials.

2004

Setting the stage

Ashland reorganizes into two sectors, Chemical and Transportation Construction. This lays the foundation for the company’s transformation into a global specialty chemical company.

2005

Exit from petroleum refining

Ashland divests its joint-venture oil and refining business to partner Marathon Oil, and also acquires Car Brite™, a leading marketer of professional auto reconditioning products. Sales are $9.3 billion.

2006

A focused approach

The transformation into a specialty chemical company continues. Northwest Coatings, a technical leader in the development of innovative water-based and energy-curable adhesives and coatings, is acquired and Ashland Paving And Construction, Inc. is sold.

2008

Ashland acquires Hercules

Ashland acquires Hercules Incorporated in a $3.3-billion transaction. The deal moves us into the top tier of global specialty chemical companies.

2009

More customer care

The Nanjing Technical Center opens in China. The applications lab supports customers in the coatings, construction, energy, food, personal care and industrial specialties markets. Sales reach $8.1 billion.

2010

New plant opens in Nanjing

Natrosol™ hydroxyethylcellulose rolls off the line at a new plant in Nanjing, China. We also launch a global joint venture in foundry chemicals with Süd-Chemie AG.

2011

Moving forward

We continue to sharpen our focus as a high-performing specialty chemical company, acquiring well-respected International Specialty Products Inc. and selling Ashland Distribution.

2012

Always innovative

New technical centers are opened in China, Germany and India to support customers in the personal care, pharmaceuticals and food and beverage markets.

DAILY

Redefining good chemistry

Every day, we set the standard for good chemistry and all of the great things it creates around the world.