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A Brief overview of the history of ZORA INC. and Froelich Oil Co.
On Aug 1, 1977 Robert Ronning, William Ollenberger, Armond Isaak and Dale Zieman purchased the Mobil oil corporation bulk plant located at 517 East Main in Mandan, N.D. and renamed it Zora Inc.
The plant operated as a Mobil distributorship until 1983 when Mobil left the state of North Dakota, at that time Zora became a Conoco distributor for gasolines, fuels and lubricants.
In November 1982 Zora entered into the wholesale and retail propane business in Bismarck/Mandan and the surrounding area. In the same time period Zora Inc. purchased land on the NE side of Mandan, approximately 1 block south of the Amoco refinery.
In 1982 Zora entered into the bulk lubricants business featuring a full line of Conoco lubricants. The lube business targeted wholesale, retail and the ag market. At this time eleven 5800 gallon bulk motor oil tanks were added to the facility and the receiving of product by both transport and rail began.
In July 1995, Zora Inc. moved it's office from 517 East Main to 1722 Mandan Ave. This move consolidated the company in one location.
Froelich Oil Company
Alex J. Froelich and Leo J. Eckroth originally started A&L Oil Company in 1946. Following the passing of Alex in August of 1961 his son Richard purchased the company from his uncle, Leo J. Eckroth. Richard operated the business as a sole proprietorship from 1961 to 1978. During this time A & L Oil Company was a distributor/commissioned agent for Exxon Company USA.
In June of 1969 Exxon combined the Mandan operation and the Bismarck operation allowing Richard the opportunity to purchase the business from the former owner, E.A. Landerholm and operate both locations.
On November 1, 1978 Exxon sold the bulk operation located at 2222 East Front in Bismarck and seven Bismarck-Mandan service stations to Richard and his wife, Lorraine. At this time Richard and Lorraine incorporated the business under the name, Froelich Oil Company.
Beginning in 1978 the company evolved from primarily a farm based products distributor into a company which not only supplied farms with products, but also provided service stations with gas and accessories while owning and operating 5 stores. Over the years the company was a distributor for Exxon gas, fuel and lubricants, Amoco gas and fuel, and Conoco gas and fuel.
Missouri Valley Petroleum (MVP)
Missouri Valley Petroleum (MVP) was established on January 1, 2000 with the merger of ZORA Inc. and Froelich Oil Comapny. The merger brought together two companies in the same industry, but focused on different areas of trade. ZORA Inc., a Conoco light oils and lubricants distributor, focused primarily on wholesale gasoline, lubricants, propane and farm delivery. Froelich Oil Company, an Amoco, Conoco and Exxon distributor, centered predominately around the wholesale, lubricants and retail gasoline operations.
Because the merger brought together the best of both companies it strengthened each sales department by increasing the assets, customer base and providing a higher level of customer service.
Today, Missouri Valley Petroleum is a complete petroleum products distributor with locations in Bismarck, Mandan, Belfield, and Rugby. MVP offers one-stop shopping for all your petroleum needs. In addition to representing four major brands of motor fuel and lubricants in its marketing area (ConocoPhillips, Petro-Canada America, Shell and Tesoro), Missouri Valley Petroleum is the market leader in home propane sales and service.
In all the communities where it does business, Missouri Valley Petroleum has established itself as a responsible corporate citizen, eager to satisfy the needs of each locale. The foundation for Missouri Valley Petroleum's future success is our determined commitment to customers and employees alike.
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