# Fred C. Koch: founder, Koch, Inc.

Canonical ID: `8cf21c8b-fee9-4aa0-9ade-563b6716ac8d`

American chemical engineer and entrepreneur (1900-1967) who founded the oil refinery firm that became Koch Industries. Born in Quanah, Texas, graduated from MIT in 1922 with a chemical engineering degree. Developed an improved thermal cracking process for deriving gasoline from crude oil in 1927, enabling smaller refiners to compete with major oil producers. Co-founded Wood River Oil and Refining Company in 1940, which his son Charles Koch renamed Koch Industries after Fred's death in 1967. The company grew into the second-largest privately held company in the United States. Also co-founded the John Birch Society. Father of Frederick, Charles, David, and William Koch.

- **Nationality:** American
- **Verification posture:** verified

## Foundings (1)

- [Koch, Inc.](https://registry.deploy.report/companies/koch-industries.md) founded 1940-01-01 (sole) _no longer at company_

See all founders: [/founders](https://registry.deploy.report/founders.md)

## Former / Previously (1)

- [Koch, Inc.](https://registry.deploy.report/companies/koch-industries.md) Founder (1900-1967)

## Sources (4)

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koch,_Inc.
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_C._Koch
3. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/41077/000119312505225697/dex993.htm
4. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/business-and-management/koch-industries


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