Operations Management

Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE[->0]: VLO) is the largest U.S. refiner in terms of throughput capacity. Valero Energy Corporation owns and operates 15 refineries located in the United States, Canada and Aruba that produce conventional gasolines, distillates, jet fuel, asphalt, petrochemicals, lubricants and other refined products. The company also owns and operates a network of gasoline and retail stations located throughout the United States.

http://www.wikinvest.com/stock/Valero_Energy_(VLO)

Valero acquired Orion Refining Corp.'s St. Charles Refinery in Norco, La., outside New Orleans, in July 2003. This was a key addition to Valero's refining network because the facility was another of the nation's most-complex refineries, yet still had tremendous upgrade potential. That means Valero could significantly enhance the plant’s profitability and performance with minimal capital investment.

The purchase also proved the company’s ability to turn a low-performing refinery into a profitable, community-focused plant. Under Valero’s ownership, the refinery produced a record-breaking United Way campaign, donating monies and volunteering time to charities in the community.

On May 1, 2013, Valero completed the spinoff to its stockholders of its retail business as an independent public company, CST Brands Inc., but continued to supply fuel to CST Brands' retail sites through long-term supply agreements.

With the spinoff, the roughly 1,900 former Valero company-operated retail sites in the U.S. and Canada went to CST Brands, which instantly became one of North America's largest independent retailers of transportation fuels and convenience merchandise. Valero emerged as a focused refiner and wholesale marketer.

Valero remains the world's largest independent petroleum refiner, one of the largest ethanol producers and a major wholesale fuel marketer, with subsidiaries employing approximately 10,500 people.

The company continues to supply fuel to...