Quaker State® is a world-class leader in providing quality lubricants and complete lubricant services for both commercial and consumer market segments. The company's rich history begins in 1859 with a small marketing company that produced petroleum products to lubricate steam engines, machinery and wagons. In 1913, Chicago entrepreneur and stockbroker Charles Pape brought together 19 small oil companies in Oil City, Pennsylvania to create a new corporation, Quaker State® Oil Refining Corporation.

As the nation entered the mechanical age, oil became the lifeblood of industry and transportation. Companies such as Quaker State® found consumers clamoring for its products. The invention of the "horseless carriage" resulted in specific product innovations required by the new internal combustion engines.

Automobile makers quickly discovered that engine efficiency increased with high operating temperatures, yet no oil on the market could handle the heat. The Franklin Automobile Company was desperate for a quality motor oil for its cars. Quaker State® sent the company samples of its new, high-quality oil and it proved so successful that from 1914 on, every Franklin leaving the factory was fitted with a custom five-quart can of Quaker State® motor oil under the front seat.

With a focus of staying ahead of industrial developments and continually making product improvements, Quaker State® set the stage for rapid growth. In 1936, the Standard Oil Company (now Exxon) became Quaker State®'s exclusive sales agency in the Midwest. Soon after, all Standard Oil stations across the nation exclusively offered Quaker State® motor oil. World War II caused the demand for Quaker State® products to reach new heights. The military favored the Quaker State® brand because the company had already begun to develop and use additives to make improved and special blends that provided superior performance.

In 1940 and 1941, the company introduced "Stabilized Quaker State® Motor Oil" and "Quaker State® HD, High Detergency Oil." Advertisements to consumers touted Quaker State® as the "the champagne of motor oils."

After the war, automakers began to increase horsepower and the size of cars. Keeping pace with these developments, Quaker State® products included a combination of anti-wear, anti-rust, anti-corrosive and high detergency properties. During the mid-'50s, Quaker State® began marketing its products through the new
burgeoning mass merchandise retailers. Supporting this broad new base of distribution, the advertising slogan, "Quaker State your car," made the brand a household name.

Innovation and growth continued throughout the '70s and '80s. In 1984, Quaker State® became the first motor oil sold in convenient, economical plastic bottles. Quaker State® expanded into the consumer service sector in 1985 when it bought Minit-Lube Inc., which later became Q-Lube, but closed after the Pennzoil-Quaker State® merger. The bottles have continued to evolve, with the introduction of environmentally conscious bottles that incorporate 20 percent recycled plastic and fully recyclable in-mold plastic labels in 1992. Also, the color of the new bottles changed from traditional white to green.

A new Quaker State® was born in June of 1993 when Herbert M. Baum assumed the positions of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

The impact of Baum's vision for the company became readily visible with a new logo, exciting promotions, new products, additional company acquisitions and an increased dedication to complete customer service. Among the important acquisitions was Specialty Oil Companies of Shreveport, LA. This firm's broad product line included a wide range of industrial lubricants and a strong private label
manufacturing capability. In addition, its distribution system greatly enhanced the overall Quaker State® system. Specialty Environmental Services greatly enhanced Quaker State® 's "green" capabilities, particularly in the field of waste oil collection and recycling. These services not only assist Quick Lube operations, they also enable the newly formed Fleet, Commercial and Industrial (FCI) division to provide its customers with complete lubricant service.

In 1996, Quaker State® expanded its consumer product offering by acquiring Slick 50, the Houston-based maker of Slick 50® Automotive Engine Treatment and a full line of other specialty chemical treatments for the automotive and industrial markets. With the largest market share and annual sales of approximately $80 million, Slick 50® is the number-one brand in the engine treatment category. Further capitalizing on its sales, distribution and customer service expertise in the automotive aftermarket arena, Quaker State® acquired Blue Coral in June of 1996.

In February of 1997, Quaker State® cemented its leadership position in the category by purchasing T-Plus Engine Treatment that held the number three position.

Quaker Supreme Chemical Corporation of Montgomery, AL also joined the Quaker State® family in June. Its Quaker Supreme and private label brands of automotive chemicals and lubricants further leveraged Quaker State® 's existing business, especially as a supplier of brake fluids. The Medo Companies; headquartered in Tarrytown, NY were added to the Quaker State® family in August of the same year. Medo is a world leader in the design and manufacture of air freshener products for use in automobiles. 1997 was a very active year for the company, especially in the realm of product acquisitions. T-Plus Engine Treatment was added to Quaker State® 's product offering in February. The entire line of window sun protection products and
automotive accessories from Axius Holdings, LP was acquired in August and Rain-X® glass coatings and treatments were added in November of that year. Quaker State® also sold two portions of its business including the last of its refineries. This facility in West Virginia was sold to Ergon, Inc. Truck-Lite, the firm's vehicular lighting subsidiary, was also sold. The agreement to sell to Penske Capital Partners was announced in October.

On December 30, 1998, Quaker State® Corporation was merged with Pennzoil Company's marketing, manufacturing and fast oil change businesses to form Pennzoil-Quaker State® Company, a worldwide leader in consumer automotive products and vehicle care.

On October 1, 2002, the acquisition of Pennzoil-Quaker State® Company by Shell Oil Company, an affiliate of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies, was completed. In May of 2003, Pennzoil-Quaker State® Company began doing business as SOPUS Products. Combining Shell lubricant's networks and infrastructure and Pennzoil-Quaker State® Company's leading motor oil brands, portfolio of car care brands and Jiffy Lube stores, the new company is a leader in the U.S. lubricants and car care business.