About Valvoline
First Brand… First in Innovation
Dr. John Ellis established the industry’s first brand in 1866 when he poured his lubricant into the stuck valves of a large V-shaped steam engine, freeing the valves to move easily. He would soon go on to register the name VALV-O-LINE as the world’s very first trademarked oil brand.
Today, Valvoline is a leading provider of innovative products and services in over 140 countries.
1866
Dr. J Ellis establishes Continuous Oil Refining Company producing cylinder oil.
1873
Valvoline™ becomes the world’s first trademarked lubricating oil.
1892
The first gasoline-powered car made in the US is protected with Valvoline.
1901
Carrigan brothers first import Valvoline™ into Australia.
1920
When the model T is mass produced, only Valvoline™ is recommended for use.
1940
Valvoline™ is the first company to offer an unconditional money back guarantee on its engine oil.
1946
Products are sold for the first time under the brand name Ashland.
1954
Valvoline™ introduces all-climate, all-season oil – people don’t need to switch oils for each season.
1964
Valvoline™ Australia is established as joint venture; Total, Boral and Ashland. Silverwater plant opens.
1965
Valvoline™ introduces an oil specifically designed for racing, called VR1.
1966
Valvoline™ first imports from the US into New Zealand through D.R Britton Ltd.
1982
Wetherill Park Blending Facility opens.
1988
Valvoline™ XLD launches in Australia.
1990
John Laws signs as Valvoline™ Australia Spokesman. Valvoline™ forms First Recovery for the collection and recycling of used engine oil.
1991
Valvoline™ celebrates its 125th birthday. Valvoline™ Australia sponsors the Parramatta Speedway.
1995
Car Care Division commences, Pyroil is imported in Australia.
2000
Valvoline™ GRM Commodore wins the Bathurst 1000.
2001
ProDetail launches in Australia.
2002
Valvoline™ Australia introduces MaxLife as the first oil designed specifically for engines with over 120,000 km. Valvoline™ opens an office in New Zealand.
2004
Valvoline™ Australia Customer Service Van program commences.
2007
Ricky Ponting is appointed Valvoline™ Australia’s Brand Ambassador.
2009
$6 Million upgrade of the Wetherill Park Blending Facility is completed.
2010
Valvoline™ Australia’s head office moves from Wetherill Park to Baulkham Hills.
2014
Valvoline™ GRM Volvo S60 wins at Australian Grand Prix – the first season Volvo makes their return to Australian Motor Racing.
2015
Valvoline™ Australia launches SynPower “Man Like HorsePower” marketing campaign.
2016
Valvoline™ celebrates its 150th birthday.