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Robinson Refinery

The Lincoln Oil Company first built the oil refinery in Robinson, Illinois in 1906. By 1924, the plant was producing 750 barrels of crude oil per day, and it was sold to the Ohio Oil Company. Over time, this company became known as Marathon Oil Company, and they run the plant today. The facility has been greatly expanded over the years, and the current output level is now 192,000 barrels each day.

Marathon OIl was forced to deal with the presence of asbestos at the plant. Asbestos is a material that was commonly found in a wide array of industrial products, such as insulation materials and rubber gaskets that are used as components within oil refining equipment. These items were very effective and tolerant to high temperatures, but the asbestos inside them is a highly toxic substance that can cause cancer. People who are exposed to asbestos have been put at risk of developing a potentially fatal disease, and should seek medical counsel immediately.

In recent history, the plant has had both good and difficult times. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) awarded the facility with a Star Designation, which recognizes the refinery for having high safety standards. OSHA recognized them again with a Lifesaver Award for having innovative protection systems at the plant. Marathon's efforts to conserve and maintain a wildlife habitat in Crawford County earned the company the Wildlife Habitat Council's Wildlife Habitat Certification.

Unfortunately, there have also been some difficulties and setbacks. In 2000, a fire erupted within the plant. Fire fighters were quick to respond and put out the flames, but two employees were injured in the blaze. This was not the first fire to affect the plant: three employees were killed in an explosion at the facility in 1938, and three contractors were killed during a fire in 1979. Another tragic death occurred at the plant in October of 2008. Investigations into the fatality are being conducted, and details are expected to be presented soon.

Through difficulties and hardships, as well as prosperous times, the refinery has continued to operate and expand under the guidance of Marathon Oil, a company that is best known for their line of Pilot Travel Centers across the nation.

Last modified: December 09 2009.