Chemical Compounds

Studebaker promoted STP in the racing industry and it quickly outpaced the auto manufacturer’s other products. From 1961-1964, Chemical Compounds operated locally at 730 South 6th Street. As Studebaker began abandoning its auto manufacturing focus in the 1960s, impacting its original home of South Bend, Indiana and the American Rust Belt in the process, STP sales continued to skyrocket and the brand was sold off. Through various acquisitions, the STP brand was purchased by Energizer in 2018. The last Studebaker was assembled March 17, 1966 as its final factory was closed in Canada. Through corporate mergers, the company that was once Studebaker Bros. was acquired by Cummins Engine in 1992.

In October 1954, three St. Joseph men began producing, packaging, and selling their innovative Scientifically Treated Petroleum Oil Treatment. James Hill, Robert DeHart, and C. Dwight “Doc” Ligget created the treatment to prevent oil thinning at high temperatures and pressures. They continued to work day jobs, packaging the product at home at night, and selling it to a local market or while traveling for work or vacation. In 1957 they officially formed Chemical Compounds, Inc., continuing to operate out of Doc Liggett’s home at the corner of 9th and Messanie Streets.

Studebaker promoted STP in the racing industry and it quickly outpaced the auto manufacturer’s other products. From 1961-1964, Chemical Compounds operated locally at 730 South 6th Street. As Studebaker began abandoning its auto manufacturing focus in the 1960s, impacting its original home of South Bend, Indiana and the American Rust Belt in the process, STP sales continued to skyrocket and the brand was sold off. Through various acquisitions, the STP brand was purchased by Energizer in 2018. The last Studebaker was assembled March 17, 1966 as its final factory was closed in Canada. Through corporate mergers, the company that was once Studebaker Bros. was acquired by Cummins Engine in 1992.