The New Easy Way to Save Repairs & Reduce Operating Costs
One of the early marketing campaigns introduced the importance of proper lubrication for automobiles. During that time, many individuals were servicing their own vehicles. The campaign became a very successful tool for Alemite, and soon many automobiles were equipped with Alemite fittings. Some models even included an Alemite “grease gun” as standard equipment. As a result of the marketing campaign, automobile owners learned that the grease gun was as indispensable as the tire iron and spark plug wrench.
As automobiles became more affordable, gasoline stations began to see a way to capitalize on other aspects of the automobile industry. Many of them quickly changed into “service” stations, relieving the automobile owner of the disagreeable task of lubrication. Recognizing this, Alemite introduced the H-15 hand-operated lubrication pump, further facilitating the transition from gasoline station to service station.
In 1924, Alemite introduced the P-25 air-operated lubrication service pump to meet the demand for quicker and easier servicing tools. With a 25-pound capacity, the pump enabled service stations to lubricate a vehicle much faster, making it more profitable for business owners. Later that same year, the P-100 was introduced for those performing a large volume of lubrication services. It soon became common throughout the industry to “alemite” vehicles.
In April of that year, Alemite purchased the Allyne-Zerk Company, and the Zerk line of lubricant fittings and guns was added to the Alemite offering. This new line of products featured a “push-type” system, differentiating it from Alemite’s “pin-type” system. Later that same year, the Stewart-Warner Speedometer Corporation acquired the Bassick-Alemite Corporation, adding even more opportunities for growth.
Just as the automotive industry was making Alemite a household name, industrial and manufacturing businesses saw the need for a more rugged, heavy-duty lubricating system. In 1922, a new “button-head” system was introduced by Alemite for construction equipment and other industries. Its The Alemite Story.
From Automobiles to Aviation
Developments in industry and manufacturing grew, but the greater potential for growth was found in the automotive industry. In 1925, Alemite introduced gear lubrication service as part of its national advertising campaign. The campaign encouraged motorists to change their motor oil every 500 miles, thus creating the first maintenance standard for the automotive service industry. Advancements in the aviation industry also were taking root. In May 1927, Charles Lindbergh made the first solo, non-stop, transatlantic flight from New York to Paris in the “Spirit of St. Louis,” a single-propeller airplane that featured an engine equipped with Alemite lubricators. Alemite innovations were everywhere.