Our Story

Warren Distribution, Inc. is a privately held family-owned business.

The business opened its doors in downtown Omaha, NE which is where the company headquarters still resides today. Back in the 1930’s when the company began blending oil it was unheard of east of the Mississippi, but now the company manufactures and distributes oil across the globe. This once small distributor is now one of the leading, privately held lubricant manufacturers in the United States.

History

Beginnings

Founded in 1922 by James Schlott

Warren Distribution, Inc. was founded in 1922 by James Schlott. He ran his distribution business on 811 Howard Street in downtown Omaha, NE.

The company supplied lubricating oils and related products to agricultural businesses in Omaha and surroundings areas.

In 1930 James’ son Norman Schlott joined the business. After joining, Norman developed an oil blending process which led Warren to become the first operation west of the Mississippi to do so. During this time, the company developed its own private label brand of oil called Gold Bond Lubricants. The product was so successful the formula was sold to an implement dealer in Eastern Iowa around 1935.

By the late 1940’s Warren had begun manufacturing antifreeze. The company even created their own line of automotive fluids within the Polar brand, which included windshield wash fluid, antifreeze, among other products. Polar is still owned by Warren Distribution today.

Evolution

Bob Schlott, CEO

In 1963 the company lost their building at 811 Howard Street due to a fire. But not much slowed the Schlotts down as they quickly relocated to 727 South 13^thStreet. The new location would become the company’s home for the next 54 years.

In June of 1970 Bob Schlott, son of Norman and grandson of James Schlott, joined the family business. At about the same time, Bob purchased some property along River Road in Council Bluffs, Iowa to expand on the antifreeze business.

By the time 1976 rolled around the company began producing their own plastic bottles as well as packaging their goods in house.

Expansion

In 1981 all manufacturing was moved to Council Bluffs, IA and the Omaha warehouse was converted into office space. In 1985 a distribution center was built across the street from the manufacturing plant. 1987 marked the development of Warren’s private label brand of oil called MAG1 which is still owned, manufactured and distributed by the company today.

In 1999 the company became ISO Certified and implemented lean mythology to improve processes and eliminate waste.

This was also a pivotal time for the company as they shifted their focus to primarily manufacturing oil. With the production shift came increased business and ultimately company growth. Manufacturing and distribution facilities opened in; Guntersville, AL. in 2002, Glendale, WV. in 2006 and Houston, TX. in 2018.

Locations

Council Bluffs, Iowa

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA

The manufacturing facility includes more than 255,000 square feet on 7 acres along the Missouri River, just north of Interstate 80. The facility manufactures, packages and blends blends lubricating oils and chemicals for automotive applications. To forward our lean manufacturing we produce in plant plastic bottles from 8 oz to 2.5 gallons. Larger containers in our packaging cycle are 5-gallon pails, drums, totes, and bulk transport loading. Much of the product made at this facility is packaged for private label marketers but a significant portion is packaged under Warren’s house brands including MAG 1 and Polar.

The company’s distribution facility is located just east of the manufacturing facility. Much of the product manufactured by Warren flows through the distribution facility as do parts and accessories made by other nationally recognized companies.

Manufacturing and distribution facility In Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Guntersville, Alabama

GUNTERSVILLE, ALABAMA

This facility started production in 2002 and is dedicated to the production of private label brands, housed in a 60,000 square foot building. In 2013, bottle manufacturing was added at this facility.

Manufacturing facility in Guntersville Alabama

Also in 2013 a 197,000 total square foot distribution facility in Albertville, Alabama was purchased.

Glendale, West Virginia

GLEN DALE, WEST VIRGINIA

Our West Virginia facility began production in 2006 and has capabilities very similar to those at our Iowa Manufacturing facility, with bottle production as well as blending and packaging of both private label and house branded lubricants, all housed in a 244,000 square foot facility on the Ohio River.

Glen Dale, West Virginia also has a 108,000 square foot facility located just south of the manufacturing facility that primarily ships out finished goods.

Manufacturing and Distribution facility in Glen Dale, West Virginia

Shadyside, Ohio

SHADYSIDE, OHIO

In 2017, to support our WV operations, we opened up a distributions facility in Shadyside, OH. This facility is located in a 200,000 square foot building sitting in nearly 46 acres.