Ashland is a diversified chemical producer and is the third-largest chemicals distributor in North America. Ashland also produces Valvoline-brand motor oil and operates quick-lube chains. After its acquisition of chemical producer Hercules in November 2008, Ashland is now the largest global producer of papermaking chemicals and is also a major supplier of cellulose ethers, which are used to modify the flow properties of such things as coatings and consumer products.
