ExxonMobil in China
| ExxonMobil's history in China dates back to the 1890s, when Standard Oil, the predecessor of ExxonMobil, began marketing kerosene in China. As early as 1892, Standard Oil opened a sales office in Shanghai, and during the next decade, sales offices were opened in other locations including Hong Kong, Yantai, Zhenjiang, Wuhan, Chongqing and Tianjin.
Kerosene found a ready market in home illumination, replacing vegetable oils. In response to customer needs, Standard Oil developed small tin kerosene lamps known as Mei Foo. Millions of Mei Foo lamps were supplied throughout the country. They were either sold inexpensively at a few cents each, or given away with the first case of kerosene. Customer response was tremendous. Kerosene sales boomed, making China the company’s largest market in Asia.
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|  | Mei Foo Lamp
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Since the late 1970s, as China re-opened its market toforeign participation, ExxonMobil's affiliatedcompanies have gradually re-engaged in manyaspects of China's energy industry, includingexploration, gas and fuels marketing, lubricants salesand services, chemicals and power generation.Currently, there are nearly 1,300 employees in China,including about 300 in Hong Kong.
ExxonMobil has a long-term commitment to China.Through our products, technologies, partnerships andinvestments, we are poised to help meet China'sgrowing energy needs.
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|  | The Standard flag flies above the company's Shanghai headquarters circa 1910. Standard's Socony affiliate opened its first office in Shanghai in 1892.
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