Decades of experience.
Generations of dedication.
Our company history dates all the way back to 1925. Our founding companies are the three oldest oil companies in the Twin Cities: Gopher State Oil, Hallman Oil and Jennison Rollins Oil. In 1973, Fred Bame purchased Gopher State and grew it to become Minnesota’s leading automotive lubricant distributor.
In 1993, Lubrication Technologies, Inc. was formed by Chris and Marna Bame, who then expanded our offering to include automotive, industry, fleet and custom brands divisions. With his background in petroleum engineering, as well as his steadfast belief in customer service, Chris helped combine high technology with personal service; core values that define Lube-Tech today. And while we’ve grown, we’ve remained a family business in every sense. We have both customers and employees that have been with us for multiple generations.
| 1920s | 1930s | 1940s | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s |
1925:
Jennison Rollins Oil Company is founded by John Jennison and Carl Rollins.
1946:
To serve the agricultural market of the Midwest, Agri-Tec Lubricants is launched.
1967:
Jennison Rollins Oil Company is renamed Rollins Fuel Oil Company after being purchased by John E. Coffey.
1973:
Fred H. Bame purchases the Gopher State Oil Company of Minneapolis and renames it the Gopher Oil Company.
1978:
Ace Lube, a line of specialty cutting oils and lubricants is introduced.
1980:
Gopher Oil Company partners with W.H. Barber Company to expand blending and packaging capabilities.
1993:
Chris Bame purchases the family business and renames the Gopher Oil Company, Lubrication Technologies Inc.
1994:
Lube-Tech launched its first 2-cycle high performance snowmobile oil for its first custom brands customer.
1997:
Lube-Tech merges with Rollins Oil Company, one of the two largest privately held oil distributors in the Twin Cities.
1998:
Test-Tech launches, a division that focuses on high-tech testing and analysis for engines and fluids.
2000:
Lubrication Technologies’ water-based chemicals division launches.
2005:
Lube-Tech forges a partnership with Randt Recycling to offer full service recycling solutions.
2007:
Hallman Oil Company of Saint Paul is purchased, further expanding distribution capabilities.