The history of Sunray Oil Corporation (the producer of Sunray Gasoline), which eventually became a part of Sunoco, is a fascinating journey through the evolution of the oil industry in the United States. The company's roots can be traced back to its incorporation in Arizona in 1920. Over the years, Sunray Oil Corporation underwent several mergers, acquisitions, and name changes that reflected the dynamic nature of the oil industry and the economic landscape of the times.
In its formative years, Sunray Oil Corporation focused on production, building a solid foundation in the industry. This foundation was significantly strengthened in 1950 when the company acquired the Barnsdall Oil Company, expanding its operations in the West and Southwest. The year 1955 was pivotal when Tulsa, Oklahoma based Mid-Continent Oil Company merged with Sunray Oil Co., forming the Sunray DX Oil Company. This merger was more than a simple combination of resources; it represented the merging of complementary strengths, with Sunray's prowess in production melding with Mid-Continent's marketing and refining capabilities. The corporate name underwent another change in 1962, becoming DX-Sunray Oil Company. By 1965, DX-Sunray had become the world's sixth-largest oil company.
A significant transformation occurred in 1968 when DX-Sunray merged with Philadelphia-based Sun Oil Company (Sunoco). From its early beginnings to its eventual amalgamation into Sunoco, the journey of Sunray and its associated brands is reflective of broader industry trends and the economic shifts of the 20th century.
