Taking a 'Q' From History

Some key dates in Quaker State History:

1913 -- Chicago entrepreneur and stockbrocker Charles Pape brings together 19 small oil companies in Oil City, Pa., to create the Quaker State Oil Refining Corp.

1914 -- Franklin Automobile Co. outfits all of its vehicles with a custom 5-quart can of Quaker State motor oil under the front seat.

1954 -- Quaker State blends a combination of anti-wear, anti-rust, anti-corrosive and high detergency additives into its product line.

1984 -- Quaker State becomes the first motor oil sold in plastic bottles.

1985 -- Minit-Lube Inc. (now Q Lube) based in Salt Lake City is acquired.

1986 -- Company sponsors its first NASCAR racing team.

1993 -- Herbert Baum takes chief executive job.

1994 -- Quaker State secures No. 2-position in the motor oil market.

Specialty Oil Co. acquired

Headquarters moved to Irving, Texas.

1996 -- Slick 50 acquired.

Blue Coral acquired.

The Medo Co. acquired.

1997 -- T-Plus Engine Treatment acquired.

Snappy Lube acquired.

Q Lube subsidiary acquired five Master Lube and five Oil X-Change locations.