Ashland is a developer, manufacturer and marketer of specialty chemicals with operations in more than 100 countries. The business is split into four core segments: Ashland Specialty Ingredients, Ashland Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials, & Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline). Its chemicals are used in a wide variety of applications, including automotive, construction and pharmaceuticals. Founded in 1924 as the Ashland Refining Company, it is now headquartered in Covington, Kentucky, in the United States.