Valero is an American company, focused on manufacturing and transportation of petroleum products. It was founded in 1980 and today is in the Fortune 500 ranking, known and respected across the globe.
Valero Energy Corporation, founded in 1980 by Bill Greehey, has evolved significantly over the past four decades. Initially, Valero began as a natural gas and electricity company but swiftly transitioned into the refining sector. One of its pivotal achievements was the acquisition of Ultramar Diamond Shamrock in 2001, catapulting Valero into the limelight as one of the largest refiners in North America. This strategic move not only broadened their refining capacity but also diversified their product portfolio, allowing them to cater to a wider market.
Throughout the years, Valero has continued to expand, both in terms of capacity and geographical reach. They’ve made significant investments in renewable energy sources, particularly in ethanol production, underscoring their commitment to sustainable energy. The company now operates several ethanol plants, along with wind farm investments, marking its transition towards a more environmentally friendly approach. As of now, Valero stands as a leader in the energy sector, not only as a major refiner of petroleum products but also as an innovator in the renewable energy space, striking a balance between traditional energy sources and the emerging demands of a more eco-conscious global market.
What is Valero?
Valero Energy Corporation is a Fortune 500 international manufacturer and marketer of transportation fuels, other petrochemical products, and power.
The earliest Valero logo showcased a sort of propeller or screw with thorns at the ends. The word “Valero” in an elegant serif type could be seen below. The font looked unusual due to the “VA” ligature and sharp elements creating a visual “rhyme” with the thorns on the propeller.
The lettering “Energy Corporation” in smaller letters could be seen below.
The design went through a complete overhaul. The propeller was replaced by a large “V” with a yellow string going through it. The writing “Valero” below featured an austere sans. What made it unusual was that the “A” lacked the middle bar, due to which it looked exactly like the “V” turned upside down.
While the structure of the logo remained unchanged, the details were modified to give the design a more refined and professional style.
The “V” grew somewhat lower. The shape of the string was slightly modified. The wordmark became utterly different. This time, the company opted for a friendlier, rounded type. The “V” is capitalized. The glyphs have an original playful touch but they do not seem to create a single whole with the emblem above.
The new Valero Energy logo was developed by Antista Fairclough (Atlanta, GA).
The sleek and elegant inscription on the Valero logo is executed in a custom sans-serif typeface with some angles of the letters rounded colors and others — pointed. This adds uniqueness and individuality to a bold and stable inscription, showing the creative and progressive character of the company. The Valero typeface was created exclusively for the brand but looks pretty similar to such fonts as Neuropa Bold and Ergonomique Bold but with the contours softened and modernized.
The simple elegance of the Valero visual identity is elevated by its calm yet eye-catching blue and yellow color palette, which evokes a sense of safety and stability, showing the brand as a reliable and professional one. And the delicate yellow detail is a symbol of energy and progress.