Koch Industries
| Koch Industries | |
| Founded | 1940 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Wichita, KS, USA |
Koch Industries is an American multinational corporation based in Wichita, Kansas. The company is one of the largest privately held companies in the world, with annual revenues of over $110 billion in 2020. Koch Industries operates in a range of industries, including oil and gas, chemicals, agriculture, and finance.
History[edit]
Koch Industries was founded in 1940 by Fred C. Koch, an American chemical engineer. The company initially focused on refining crude oil into gasoline and other products. In the 1950s, Koch Industries expanded into other areas of the oil and gas industry, including exploration and production.
In the 1960s, Koch Industries began to diversify its business interests, acquiring companies in a range of industries, including chemicals, agriculture, and finance. By the 1970s, Koch Industries had become one of the largest privately held companies in the United States.
Under the leadership of Charles Koch, who became CEO of the company in 1967, Koch Industries continued to expand its operations, acquiring new businesses and investing in research and development. Today, Koch Industries is one of the largest and most diverse companies in the world, with operations in over 70 countries.[1]
Products and Services[edit]
Koch Industries operates in a range of industries, including:
Oil and Gas: Koch Industries is one of the largest refiners of crude oil in the United States, with a refining capacity of over 3 million barrels per day. The company also operates pipelines, storage facilities, and terminals.
Chemicals: Koch Industries produces a wide range of chemicals, including petrochemicals, polymers, and fibers. The company's products are used in a variety of industries, including automotive, electronics, and construction.
Agriculture: Koch Industries operates one of the largest agricultural businesses in the United States, with operations in farming, ranching, and food processing. The company produces a range of products, including fertilizer, animal feed, and food ingredients.
Finance: Koch Industries operates a range of financial businesses, including trading, risk management, and asset management.
Philanthropy and Political Activity[edit]
Koch Industries is known for its philanthropy and political activity. The company has donated millions of dollars to a range of causes, including education, the arts, and healthcare. Koch Industries has also been a significant donor to political campaigns and organizations, particularly those that advocate for free-market policies and limited government.[2]
Controversies[edit]
Koch Industries has been involved in a number of controversies over the years. The company has been criticized for its environmental record, with some accusing it of polluting the air and water in communities where it operates. Koch Industries has also been accused of anti-union activities and violating labor laws. The company has denied these allegations.[3][4][5][6][7]
Key People[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ Charles Koch. Forbes.
- ↑ Kochland review: how the Kochs bought America – and trashed it. The Guardian.
- ↑ Koch Industries Pollution. Greenpeace.
- ↑ Koch Industries, Inc. Oil Spills Settlement. United States Environmental Protection Agency.
- ↑ KOCH INDUSTRIES INDICTED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES AT REFINERY. U.S. Department of Justice.
- ↑ 5 Egregious Eco Crimes Committed by the Koch Brothers. InHabitat.
- ↑ Oil Company Agrees to Pay $20 Million In Fines. Washington Post.