WD-40 Company

WD-40 Company is a global marketing organization dedicated to creating positive lasting memories by developing and selling products that solve problems in workshops, factories, and homes around the world. Originally founded as the Rocket Chemical Company in 1953 by a small team in San Diego, California, the company's initial focus was on creating a line of rust-prevention solvents and degreasers for the aerospace industry. The name WD-40 itself stands for 'Water Displacement, 40th formula,' representing the fortieth attempt to perfect the iconic formula. The product was first used commercially by aerospace contractor Convair to protect the outer skin of the Atlas Missile from rust and corrosion. Its effectiveness led to employees taking it home for personal use, which sparked the idea of bringing it to the consumer market.

The company was officially renamed WD-40 Company in 1969, after its sole and increasingly famous product. It went public in 1973, trading on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol WDFC. While the flagship WD-40 Multi-Use Product remains a household name, used in over 176 countries and territories, the company has expanded its portfolio significantly. It now markets a range of maintenance products under the WD-40 Specialist and 3-IN-ONE brands, as well as a variety of homecare and cleaning products including Spot Shot, X-14, 2000 Flushes, and Carpet Fresh. Headquartered in San Diego, California, WD-40 Company operates with a unique 'tribal' culture, fostering a highly engaged workforce of approximately 500 members across its global offices. The company's mission is to deliver unique, high-value, and easy-to-use solutions that instill confidence and empower people to get the job done right.