The air was clear and a little chilly when the S/S British Earl arrived in October 1928 with the first cargo of crude oil for the newly built refinery in Nynäshamn. The story of Nynas had begun.
Over nearly a century, Nynas has evolved from a traditional oil company into a dedicated specialty chemicals manufacturer, recognised for innovative solutions and a strong commitment to sustainability. Our journey reflects a continuous evolution, driven by a commitment to excellence and a vision for the future.
The first refinery
In the early 1910s, Axel Axelsson Johnson recognised oil as a key enabler of modern industry. He invested in diesel-powered shipping at a time when coal still dominated. With no refinery in Sweden, oil had to be imported as finished products. Johnson identified an opportunity to strengthen supply security and improve economics by importing crude oil and refining it domestically.
Strategic land acquisitions in Nynäshamn, with its deep-water port and proximity to Stockholm, laid the foundation. Construction of Sweden’s first large-scale, industrial refinery began in February 1928 and progressed rapidly. By December, production was under way – a milestone of national importance and the starting point for Nynas.
Leaders in the field of petrol
Within its first year, Nynas delivered petrol, paraffin, fuel oils and lubricating oils. As car ownership accelerated, the company invested in a cracking plant in 1931, laying the foundation for a nationwide network of petrol stations, which Nynas operated until it was sold in 1981.
Technology leadership became a defining feature. Nynas was the first company in Sweden to introduce catalytic reforming, enabling higher-octane petrol and improved efficiency. During the Second World War, when imports were restricted, the company played a critical role in supplying energy by developing alternative production methods based on domestic raw materials. After the war, the business expanded rapidly, at one point offering close to 400 product variants.
GLOBAL SPECIALIST GROUP
The oil crises of the 1970s exposed the limitations of a fuel-focused business model and forced a strategic rethink. Nynas exited the fuel market and concentrated on specialist products, supported by strong research and development capabilities. The new strategy required secure long-term crude oil supply and international expansion.
Key steps included acquiring a refinery in Antwerp in 1985 and the purchase of UK bitumen company Briggs Oil in 1992. These moves established Nynas as a leading player in the European bitumen market. At the same time, investments in catalyst and hydrogenation technology strengthened the production of naphthenic specialty oils, including advanced transformer liquids. A steadily expanding global distribution network enabled Nynas to serve customers worldwide with high standards of safety, service and efficiency.
SUSTAINABLE TRANSITION
Over recent decades, Nynas has continued its transformation into a specialist company focused on niche applications with long service lives. A deep understanding of customer needs and application performance has been central to this evolution.
Sustainability is increasingly integrated into product development, from solutions that support asphalt recycling and lower-temperature paving to circular and bio-based specialty products.
As Nynas approaches its centenary in 2028, the company continues to build on a century of innovation, resilience and continuous transformation, developing solutions that help meet the needs of a changing world.