Ethyl Corporation

Tredegar Iron Works, founded in 1836, produced high-quality iron products (weapons, artillery pieces, cannons, cannonballs, and shot, iron plate) during the Civil War. After the war, the company manufactured iron products for railroads and for agricultural uses.

The Ethyl Corporation, chartered in Delaware in 1924, originated from the research efforts of scientists and chemical engineers Charles F. Kettering and Thomas Midgeley, Jr. In 1921, Midgley and Kettering discovered tetraethyl lead as an anti-knock agent in automobile engines. Kettering named this tetraethyl lead "Ethyl" gasoline and made it available to the public in 1923. Midgley and Kettering founded the General Motors Chemical Company to provide distribution of the gasoline. Standard Oil Company of New Jersey joined General Motors Chemical in its manufacturing to create Ethyl Corporation in 1924.

Kettering served as president of the corporation, serving until 1925. Midgley served as vice-president and general manager until his death in 1944. James Boudreau served as vice-president and director of public relations until 1966. Earl Botholomew, an engineer, developed several important patents, including a special mixture of bromine and chlorine and an engine that could use tetraethyl lead and meet clear air regulations. In 1962, Albemarle Paper Manufacturing Company bought out Ethyl Corporation.