Imperial Oil is a Canadian company with a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. It all began in 1880, when businessmen Alexander Tilloch Galt and William Hamilton met with oil industry pioneer Charles Nelson Tripp to discuss the potential for oil development in Canada. They secured a lease for the company’s first oil field and formed The Imperial Oil Company Limited in 1880. This marked the beginning of a legacy that has spanned over 140 years and continues to thrive in the present day.
Throughout the years, Imperial Oil has undergone many changes and faced numerous challenges. In the early 20th century, the company experienced rapid growth and expanded its operations across Canada, including establishing its first refinery in Sarnia, Ontario in 1898. In the 1950s, they made groundbreaking discoveries in Alberta, ultimately leading to the formation of the largest oil sands mining operation in the world. Despite facing the effects of the Great Depression, World War II, and the ever-evolving energy industry, Imperial Oil has remained a prominent and influential figure in the Canadian oil sector.
Today, Imperial Oil is one of the largest integrated oil and gas companies in Canada, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and community involvement. They continue to explore new technologies and techniques to improve their operations, while