Amsoil Inc. founder Al Amatuzio, a pioneer in the marketing of synthetic engine oils in the United States, died Friday at the age of 93.
Amatuzio formed Minnesota-based Amsoil in 1972 with a business model specifically focused on the supply of passenger car motor oils formulated with synthetic base stocks. While other companies have disputed the companys claim to have been the first U.S. marketer of such products, Amsoil became one of the countrys main and steadiest promoters of synthetics.
According to Amsoil, Amatuzio developed an interest in synthetic engine oils during his 25 years of service as a pilot and squadron commander in the U.S. Merchant Marines, the Air Force and the Air National Guard. He researched and developed a synthetic oil for passenger cars and sold it under several brands before founding Amsoil.
The company continued to focus on synthetics for years before the category became a large part of the U.S. market. Amsoil also developed a network of dedicated distributors, unlike many other companies in the industry.
Amatuzio remained president and CEO of his company until stepping down in 2015, when his son Alan J. Amatuzio and Dean P. Alexander succeeded him as co-presidents, posts they still hold.