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History
Wilbert Sylvester “Bill” Dodge was an oil salesman in Los Angeles for over 45 years. Towards the end of his career, his employer decided to play games with Bill’s commission. Bill retaliated by starting his own company, W.S. Dodge Oil Company. Jim Downs was Bill’s accountant. Since Bill was past retirement age anyway, the fun of running his own business soon wore off and Bill was looking for a buyer. Jim saw the potential and in 1965 bought Dodge Oil for $5,000.00. At that time, Dodge consisted of a telephone, a desk, a list of customers, and a list of formulas. All of the products were toll blended and delivered by an independent contractor.
The business grew rapidly. Jim modeled the company after the old A.C. Withrow Co., striving to provide matchless service and value to his customers. In addition, Jim already had established his reputation as a profoundly honest businessman. By 1975, when Dodge bought our Maywood plant, there were 2 additional employees and two trucks. Sales were near $750,000.00 annually, all of this without any outside financing. Even today, Dodge still has no long-term debt. The business continued to grow at a measured, organic pace. By 1990, sales were about $2.2 million annually and there were 7 employees.
Today, Dodge has grown into one of the largest independent manufacturers of metalworking fluids and lubricants west of the rockies. Dodge Oil owns two manufacturing facilities and 7 delivery trucks. After the passing of Mr. Downs in 2000, the company is run by three of his children who control 100% of the stock: Tom Downs, President; Anne Marie Downs, Vice President; and David Downs, Vice President. Each of them came to Dodge after college and between them have over 50 years of experience in the company.
Location
As mentioned, Dodge owns two facilities. The original plant located in Maywood, CA was purchased in 1976. A second facility was needed to accommodate the expanding need for more warehouse space and tank storage so the company purchased the second facility located in Cudahy, CA in 1999. Between the two plants, we have over 200,000 gallons of base oil storage and nearly 100,000 square feet of enclosed warehouse capacity. We also utilize a local rail yard that houses our railcars of base oil and chemicals.
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© 2009 WS Dodge Oil Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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