When Harwood Loos' grandfather, Augustus J. Loos and John Dilworth first joined forces in 1893, Philadelphia was a large textile producing city. Having many different types of industrial oils for machinery, Loos & Dilworth decided to serve the market. According to Harwood Loos, it was then, that his grandfather's vision began to take shape. At the turn of the century, John Dilworth left the business, but Augustus Loos decided to keep the name of his beloved friend and partner. In 1918, Paul R. Loos, an engineer form University of PA came to work for his father. It would be Paul Loos that would direct the company into the oil and chemical markets that it serves today.

    During the 1920's, Loos & Dilworth sold naval stores, products of the Southern Georgia Pine Tree, to ship chandlers for caulking wooden vessels. It was then that Loos & Dilworth became one of the first distributors for Hercules. The 1920's also saw the growth of the automobile industry; thus, the company also grew as a motor oil distributor. Loos & Dilworth also boomed during the World War II years, having its' pine oil to provide as wool scour for manufacturers of military uniforms.

    In 1944, Harwood Loos, Paul's son, joined the company as field sales representative for the Chemical Division. He recalls many other notable employees, such as Rod Tompkins, (no relation to current Vice President David Tompkins) that helped build the company. But Harwood is particularly proud of Richard G. Campbell, current owner and president.

    When Harwood retired in 1971, it was difficult for him to leave the legacy built by his grandfather. "It was comforting for me to turn over the company to a man of vision. Rick has done a wonderful job with the company my grandfather started. I am proud of the Loos & Dilworth of 1998," says Harwood Loos.

    As we celebrate our 105th-year, we prepare for the next century, building and strengthening our partnerships with our customers and suppliers