STP® History
In October 1954, three businessmen with a mere $3,000 in start-up capital introduced the first STP® product in St. Joseph, MO. Scientifically Treated Petroleum, better known as STP®, began with one product — STP® Oil Treatment. It helped automobile motor oil resist thinning at high temperatures and pressures.
1954
Charles Dwight (Doc) Liggett, Jim Hill and Robert DeHart began packaging STP® Oil Treatment in a backyard garage at night, and sold it from the trunks of their cars during their business and pleasure trips.
1960
The company’s initial growth and profitability, attributed to strong word of mouth and the brand’s link to auto racing, enabled STP® to introduce its first Gas Treatment.
1961
The STP® brand was purchased by the Studebaker-Packard Corporation.
1963
Andy Granatelli was appointed CEO and began to increase the brand’s marketing efforts through auto and boat racing. Eventually, STP® sponsored its own Indy Car racing team, featuring Mario Andretti, the winner of the 1969 Indianapolis 500.
STP® product distribution began to grow, and soon STP® products were available in more than 200,000 gasoline stations across the U.S.
1966
By the end of the year, sales had climbed to more than $43 million.
1969
STP® became a public corporation, and shares went on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol “STP”.
STP® sponsored its own Indy Car racing team, featuring Mario Andretti.
1972
STP® made headlines throughout the world by beginning its association with future stock car legend Richard Petty, a partnership that continues to this day.
1973
STP® reported sales of more than $54 million and a net income of more than $1 million. Products were marketed throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and nearly 100 countries around the world.
1978
The STP® brand introduced new, improved grades of motor oil, as well as sleek-looking, easy-to-pour Gas Treatment containers. Later that year, the STP Corporation was acquired by Chicago-based Esmark, Inc.
Early 1980s
The STP® brand vigorously explored diversification possibilities, and put additional emphasis on its research and development programs. Leo J. LeClair was named President and Chief Executive Officer, and directed the company’s move to a new world headquarters in Boca Raton, FL.
1984
Beatrice Companies, Inc. purchased Esmark, Inc.
1985
Union Carbide Corporation bought The STP® brand.
1986
The Home and Automotive Division of Union Carbide became First Brands Inc. via a management-leveraged buyout.
1990-1999
The STP® brand had built a presence in almost every country in the world through a mixture of sales and international subsidiaries.
In January 1999, The Clorox Company completed its acquisition of First Brands Corporation.
2010
Clorox sold Armor All® and STP® brands to Avista Capital Partners, which named the business Armored AutoGroup. Its headquarters is located in Danbury, CT.
2015
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., a global and diversified consumer products company with market-leading brands, announced it has signed a definitive merger agreement to acquire Armored AutoGroup Parent Inc. (“Armored AutoGroup”) from Avista Capital Partners.