STP automotive additives

The History and Legacy of STP

STP (Scientifically Treated Petroleum) was founded in 1954 in Saint Joseph, Missouri, by three businessmen—Charles Dwight Liggett, Jim Hill, and Robert De Hart. The brand initially gained fame for its first product, STP Oil Treatment, which was designed to improve the viscosity and performance of engine oil at high temperatures. The brand's iconic logo and status were cemented through aggressive marketing and its heavy involvement in motorsports, most notably its long-standing partnership with NASCAR legend Richard Petty.

Ownership and Manufacturing

Over the decades, STP has seen several changes in ownership. It was acquired by Studebaker Packard Corporation in 1961, and eventually became part of Borden in 1978. In recent years, the brand passed from Clorox to Spectrum Brands. Today, STP is a flagship brand of Energizer Holdings, Inc., the American conglomerate famous for its battery products. While manufacturing is primarily centered in the United States to serve North American markets, STP products are produced in various global facilities to meet international demand, ensuring that their fuel additives, brake fluids, and cleaners are accessible to vehicle owners worldwide.