“The history of the D-A Lubricant Company, Inc. is a very interesting story, not alone because of its achievement and success, but because it was born at the same time as another great industry, and has had an active part in its growth and development ever since, from the standpoint of service and specialization.” – The D-A Weekly Letter, 1969
Today, as that same company celebrates its 100 years of operation, many of those same themes remain: success, growth, specialization and service. The standard of quality since 1919.
For the past century, D-A Lubricant Company has never wavered from its commitment to offering the most complete and superior quality products in the market today. As the first company ever to specialize exclusively in the lubricants designed especially for earth-moving equipment, D-A Lubricant Company engineers have uniquely formulated products to meet the challenges in heavy industry of all kinds, agriculture, automotive, construction, industrial, mining, on-highway and power generation.
With extensive lab facilities and a highly-regarded research team, D-A Lubricant Company’s formulations are always responsive to and ahead of the changing market. The company, which is ISO 9001-2015 quality certified, offers a full array of greases, oils, hydraulic fluids, gear oils and specialty lubricants that remain the top choice to extend fleet life and service hours. With a focus on customer service, quality and dependently, D-A enters its centennial celebration with pride for its past and optimism for the future.
Check out the timeline below for some of D-A Lubricant Company’s major milestones.
Patent for specialized industrial grease purchased by Frank L. Binford from Dorsch and Adkins – the D-A in our name.
1919
D-A Lubricant Company founded in Indianapolis, Ind., with products used to grease loom spindles, then quickly being recommended for rollers in crawler tractors manufactured by the soon-to-be Caterpillar Tractor Company.
1919
Testing of first D-A Motor Oil at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Quality and value create loyalty with 85% repeat purchase.
1934
Establishment of D-A Lubricant Company laboratory – first of its kind in the United States.
1934
Tom Binford takes over CEO role at D-A Lubricant Company. Elected President of US AutoClub in 1959, establishes D-A Mechanical Achievement Award honoring chief mechanic at the Indianapolis 500.
1954
Development of D-A Torque fluid for automatic transmissions in heavy-duty equipment.
1959
Development of diesel engine oil. Transfer of ownership to Premiere Industrial of Cleveland, Ohio.
1969
Formulation of D-A All-Purpose engine oil for use in both diesel and gasoline engines.
1979
Fifth Wheel Saf-T-Lube invented for tractor/trailer market.
1987
Premiere Industrial Corporation merged with Farnell based out of Leads, England becoming Premier Farnell.
1996
Purchase of D-A Lubricant Company by Mike Protogere.
2002
Consolidation of manufacturing and distribution, laboratory and headquarters expanding capacity in a brand new facility in Lebanon, Indiana.
2011
Acquisition of Brad Penn, the “Original Green Oil” and rebranding as PennGrade® /PennGrade 1®
2015
D-A Lubricant / PennGrade named first ever Presenting Sponsor of the prestigious and iconic Indianapolis 500 on the race’s 100th anniversary.
2015
PennGrade 1® named official sponsor of Porsche Club of America and their club racing program.
2017
D-A Lubricant Company celebrates its 100-year anniversary. Here’s to 100 more!
