Penrite Oil, one of Australia’s most trusted names in the automotive industry, is set to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026.
This milestone reflects a century of innovation, commitment to quality, and a family-driven legacy that has shaped the company into a respected leader in the automotive industry.
Entrepreneurial spirit
The story of Penrite begins with Les Mecoles, a young and ambitious entrepreneur who started his business journey while still a student at Melbourne High School in the 1920s. Les began by importing oils from overseas and acting as an agent for established brands such as Shell, Autolene, Trogon Oils, and Rigolin.
His school notebooks were filled with sales figures and oil blend formulas, showcasing his early passion for business and technical knowledge.
On his sixteenth birthday, March 6, 1926, Les officially launched his own company.
Operating from his family home in St Kilda, Melbourne, he blended oils on his mother’s kitchen stove and delivered them using his father’s wheelbarrow.
Later, as his customer base grew, he relied on a courier service for deliveries.
Family stories recall that Les even sold his prized leather jacket to fund his first batch of oil.
Snapshot
Les was also deeply interested in photography, cars, and horse racing.
He often carried a camera or racing guide and even served as the photographer at his own wedding, leaving the reception early with his brother to test-drive a car.
These passions reflected his curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit, traits that would shape his business approach.
In the early years, Les operated a petrol service station on Hawthorn Road, Caulfield, selling oil and petrol from the curb side.
As the business grew, he purchased his first factory, allowing him to expand operations.
By 1932, he relocated the business to 625 Bridge Road, Richmond, Melbourne, acquiring the property for just £75 — a site now occupied by a McDonald’s restaurant. Over the following years, Les continued to grow the business, acquiring additional properties across Abbotsford and Richmond to import, distribute, and manufacture oil under the name L.H. Mecoles Oil Merchant.
In 1934, his brother Stan joined the company, helping further expansion.
PA-grade
Recognising the need for a distinct brand, Les initially sketched the name “Oil-Rite” on the back of an envelope.
However, when this name was already taken, Stan suggested “Pen-Rite,” combining “Pen” for Pennsylvania crude oil, regarded as the finest at the time, with “Rite” to signify the right oil.
In 1936, Les registered the name Penrite with the Commonwealth of Australia and became a member of the Pennsylvanian Grade Crude Oil Association, enabling him to import 100 per cent pure Pennsylvania crude oil for blending.
During the 1930s, Penrite experienced significant growth, moving to 71 Hoddle Street, Richmond, and expanding distribution to other Australian states.
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By the time World War II began, Penrite offered not only oils and lubricants but also greases, automotive batteries, and workshop tools to meet growing customer demand. Records show that Penrite played an important role in supporting the Allied war effort, producing various products for both the European and Pacific campaigns.
The plain green wartime Penrite tins marked a practical shift from Les’s usual marketing style, reflecting the needs of
the time.
A January 1942 stocktake revealed that Penrite held £11,000 worth of stock, though the staff had been reduced to fewer than 10 people.
Throughout this challenging period, Les and Stan ran the operations, ensuring production for the Australian government.
Hardened
After the war, Australia still faced extensive rationing, affecting manufacturing and daily life. By 1951, Penrite Oil had grown to become a Pty Limited company and was promoted as the ‘Specialist in lubricating oils and greases for every purpose’.
Les travelled frequently to Brisbane, Sydney, and Adelaide, expanding Penrite’s reach, and began hiring salespeople, dedicating effort to training them in the art of salesmanship.
One of his earliest recruits was Ron Walker, who would later become chairman of Fairfax Ltd, Lord Mayor of Melbourne, and head of Formula One.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Abbotsford site was acquired by the Victorian government to make way for a new freeway, and Les brought a new facility at 3 Cross Street, Brunswick.
During this time, Les’s health began to decline after battling cancer twice.
With no children to inherit the business, he decided to sell.
He identified John Dymond, a young oil additives supplier and close associate, as a potential successor.
With support from John’s wife, Margaret, the Dymond’s negotiated the purchase, and Les helped finance the deal to ensure the company remained in capable hands. The sale was finalised in March 1979, and Les passed away shortly after, on August 23, 1979.
JD’s journey
John Dymond, known as “JD”, started his career as an apprentice engineer at the Vauxhall motor factory in Luton, England.
He and Margaret migrated to Australia in the late 1950s, where John worked with British Petroleum on their long-life fuel additive program.
His work allowed him to travel across Australia and New Zealand, gaining insight into the local automotive market and identifying a need for oils designed specifically for Australian conditions. After leaving BP, John joined Lubrizol, a US-based additive company, developing oil and lubricant solutions tailored for Australia.
After purchasing Penrite, JD quickly identified a key gap in the Australian lubricants market: most oils were designed for North American or European conditions and were not optimal for Australian cars and climate.
He focused on developing oils specifically engineered for local conditions and expanded Penrite’s presence internationally, including New Zealand and Europe. In 1981, JD launched the Penrite HPR – High Performance Range, a line of multi-grade, full zinc oils featuring advanced “Extra Ten” technology.
This innovative range became the first of its kind in Australia and quickly gained popularity, solidifying Penrite’s reputation as a leader in the high-performance oil market.
In the late 1980s, John launched his first major marketing campaign, showcasing classic, racing, and collectible cars belonging to his friends. The campaign emphasised the importance of using the best oil for valuable automobiles, connecting emotionally with car enthusiasts and positioning Penrite as a trusted brand.
By the mid to late 1990s, Penrite relocated its main blending plant to a purpose-built facility at 88 Lewis Road, Wantirna. The “Obsession with Oil” campaign connected customers with their cars, portraying vehicles as extensions of themselves and reinforcing the idea that Penrite offered superior protection and performance.
This campaign, supported by television, radio, and retail promotions, resonated with a wide audience, from race car drivers to owners of rotary engines, V8s, and turbocharged cars.
Marsey’s milestone
Margaret Dymond, affectionately known as ‘Marsey’ or ‘Marg,’ has been a cornerstone of Penrite for over 45 years. Currently the owner of Penrite Oil and known for her warmth and dedication, she engages with young motorsport competitors, car enthusiasts, and local events, all while maintaining a low profile.
Her commitment to family, Australian manufacturing, and the company’s values has been vital to Penrite’s ongoing success.
Today, Penrite continues under the leadership of Toby Dymond as CEO, with other family members, Nigel, Fleur, and Jon, holding significant roles. The company remains family-owned, proudly Australian-made, and committed to high-performance products suited to local conditions.
“I’m incredibly proud to be part of Penrite’s story as we approach 100 years,” Penrite Oil CEO Toby Dymond said.
“Our history is built on vision, hard work, and family values that continue to guide us today. I’m just as passionate about the future — ensuring Penrite remains at the forefront of innovation, supporting the automotive community, and delivering the high-performance products Australians can trust for the next century.”
Penrite also actively supports motorsport and community events, including sponsorship of the Penrite Racing V8 Supercars team, Naming rights sponsor of the National PRO MX Series, Penrite Racing Empire Kawasaki team (ProMX), the Penrite Hattah Desert Race, and the National V8 Superboats. Penrite also sponsor some 250 brand ambassadors throughout Australia and New Zealand.
These partnerships reflect Penrite’s ongoing commitment to performance, innovation, and engagement with Australia’s automotive and motorsport communities.
As Penrite approaches its centenary, the company has planned large-scale celebrations, activations, promotions, and exclusive experiences for its customers and partners.
Penrite’s journey from blending oil on a kitchen stove to a global leader in lubricants is a testament to innovation, dedication, and family values.
The company’s centenary in 2026 will celebrate this rich history and the continuing legacy of providing high-quality, Australian-made products. With a focus on performance, innovation, and community, Penrite looks forward to another 100 years of success, honouring its roots while embracing the future of the automotive industry.