About STP
‘Scientifically Treated Petroleum’, better known as STP, began in October 1954 in the USA, when three friends and businessmen with just $3,000 capital, introduced the first STP product – ‘STP Oil Treatment’.
The three friends began packaging ‘STP Oil Treatment’ - designed to prevent car engine oil thinning at high temperatures and pressures - in a backyard garage.
Packaged at night and sold from the boots of their cars whenever they went on the road, STP’s rapid rise in popularity and profitability can be put down to strong recommendation and the brand's early relationship with motor racing.
In fewer than seven years, from his appointment in 1963 as President and CEO, Andy Granatelli grew the STP brand from virtual obscurity to a position of dominance on the world stage. Market share grew from 7% in 1963 to an amazing 85% by 1970.
And by the late 60’s, STP Oil Treatment additive, and free STP decals, were available in 99% of the 238,000 petrol stations and 37,000 car parts wholesalers across the USA.
The 1970s saw large international growth, and in 1972 STP made headlines throughout the world by beginning its association with future race car legend Richard Petty, a partnership that continues to this day.
By 1973, STP reported sales of more than $54 million. Products were marketed throughout the USA, Canada, Mexico, across Europe and nearly 100 countries around the world.
The company continued to grow rapidly in the following decades, with a number of changes in ownership and, by the 1990s, the STP brand had a presence in practically every country in the world through a mixture of sales and international subsidiaries.
Present owners, The Clorox Company, in California acquired the STP brand in 1999.
