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• History

Since 1894 . . . Now That’s a Long Lasting Oil!

1894 George W. Cole, a resident of Asbury Park, New Jersey, compounds a mixture to accomplish three things in connection with the care and maintenance of a bicycle. These are: a lubricant, a rust preventative and a cleaner. The formula results in the famous 3-IN-ONE_® Oil that accomplishes three separate things with one application.

1899 The product proves to be an immediate success and the little business grows to such proportions that the company, G.W. Cole, is incorporated under the laws of the state of New Jersey.

1905-1910 The corporate charter is amended and the name of the company is changed from G.W. Cole to 3-IN-ONE Oil Company. Green glass bottles having the name 3-IN-ONE in raised letters and a cork stopper are sold. Circa 1910 metal screw-top caps make their appearance, while the rest of the bottle remains the same.

1933 The capital stock of 3-IN-ONE Oil Company is acquired by Drug Incorporated, which later dissolves. At that time, the 3-IN-ONE Oil Company becomes part of Sterling Products Inc.

1936 A.S. Boyle Company, a subsidiary of American Home Products Corporation, purchases the brand from Sterling Products Inc. It is merchandised in small tin cans.

1990 Reckitt & Coleman Plc. through its U.S. subsidiary, Reckitt & Coleman Inc., acquires the Boyle Midway household products division of American Home Products.

1994 To celebrate the product's centennial, this year's packaging design incorporates a black banner at the top front of the can, reading "100 Years - Hundreds of Uses."

1995 WD-40 Company officially acquires the worldwide 3-IN-ONE Oil business from Reckitt & Coleman Plc., worldwide manufacturer and marketer of household, toiletry, pharmaceutical and food products.

1999 A new delivery system, the Telescoping Spout, is added to the product line. Reminiscent of an old-time oilcan, the plastic bottle comes with a five-inch extendable spout designed to get at hard-to-reach places.

2003 The 3-IN-ONE Professional line is introduced – a line of high-performance specialty products essential for the home, factory and shop.

2004 Four new high-performance specialty formulas are added to the popular 3-IN-ONE Professional line.

2007 The Garage Door Lube is added to the 3-IN-ONE Professional line bringing the total line to nine formulas.

2008 The 3-IN-ONE No-Rust Shield_® is introduced to help consumers and trade professionals protect their tools and equipment from rust and corrosion.