Arend Petroleum Company

The Arend Petroleum Company, established in 1927 on Aruba, played a pivotal role in the island's economic development and transformation into a bustling town. Originally known as 'Compania Mexicana de Petrol el Aquila', it was a subsidiary of the Royal Dutch Shell Group and significantly influenced local employment and infrastructure. The company constructed a state-of-the-art oil refinery and pier, strategically located to access Venezuelan oil fields. At its peak, the refinery processed 3,000 tons of crude oil daily, producing various oil products. The establishment of the refinery not only advanced Aruba's industrial landscape but also led to the growth of local banking and educational institutions, marking a significant chapter in the island's history until its closure in 1953.