“A Proud Past…a Fabulous Future”

Originally know as American Lubricating Co (ALC). AOS was incorporated in Newark, NJ on February 27, 1895 by employees from the lubricants division of John D Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Co of New Jersey (Today Known as Exxon). Two years later ALC became American Oil & Supply Co. and although the name has gone unchanged for the past 111 years, that’s about all that remains the same.

When it first formed, AOS blended and marketed industrial lubes and greases to jewelry, leather and rubber goods manufacturers. Within the next two years AOS had added to its line acids, solvents, chemicals, dyestuffs, jewelry supplies, tanning materials, alcohols and soaps. Thomas Edison became involved during WWI and AOS began its involvement as a supplier to the US Military.

Since its first few years, AOS has changed with, and mirrored the times. As the nation grew, AOS smoothed the transition. Around the turn of the century, the company landed what has proven to be a strong account. Washington Roebling, the famous bridge engineer and bridge builder, asked AOS for a lube to protect the wire cables of the Brooklyn Bridge. Finding other uses for this lubricant, AOS soon added capacity with the purchase of Roeblings Wire Rope Lubricating Company of America.

Today Vitalife® wire rope lubricants are used in many applications including elevator, mining, ski resorts, ports, draglines and any were wire ropes are used. AOS’s Vitalife® wire rope lubricants are supplied worldwide through an extensive network of distribution channels. To increase cable penetration and heighten corrosion protection, AOS has always now used the finest additives in its wire rope lubricants.

In November of 1936, Frank kerr joined AOS as a research chemist. Kerr was with the company for nearly 50 years and the original ILMA representative for AOS, Kerr led AOS into the industrial lubricants area. As World War II stimulated mass machinery production Kerr led AOS into new territory. Under Kerr’s direction AOS developed synthetic jet turbine lubricants and hydraulic fluids. AOS upgraded its Jet Turbine lubes, hydraulic fluids and gun oils, while also developing rust preventatives and other military specification products. At the same time AOS expanded into the aerospace and defense industries.

In 1973, Stan Ziemski and Albert P. Shutts, formally of FMC Corp, bought AOS with a plan to expand nationally and internationally with cutting edge products for military and industrial applications. Ziemski and Shutts also brought in Tim Driscoll from FMC to round out the management team.

This new group took advantage of the technologies Kerr had developed and made several successful acquisitions in high tech ceramics, insecticides and successfully formed Joint Ventures world wide. During this time AOS expanded the R & D efforts adding staff and building a product development laboratory in Frenchtown, NJ. The trio built its synthetic line and entered the food grade lubricants market. AOS was one of the first companies to market a full line of synthetic lubricants showing industry how they can save using synthetic lubes to reduce equipment downtime. These products included compressor oils, turbine oils, gear oils, hydraulic fluids, textile and machinery lubricants.

In the late 1980’s AOS sold off its military specification business and foodgrade lines and in the 1990’s the company went through a rigorous environmental cleanup of the old Newark plant, during this period the company focused on redirecting its marketing and product development thrust with its AOS® Thermal Compounds and the Vitalife® wire rope lubricants. Both are known as industry leaders worldwide.

Today in the United States American Oil & Supply International has taken advantage of its storied past. Under the American Oil since 1895® trademarked brand the company markets nationally Automotive, Commercial and Industrial lubricants and greases synthetic, biodegradable and mineral Based. The company produces and markets nationally through a network of first rate lubricant blending plants to provide premium and efficient service.

From the Edison connection to the Brooklyn Bridge, from wagon wheels to hard drives, AOS has been providing lubricant solutions since 1895. Today just like in the past the company is focused on its most important asset, its customers!