NPRA finalizes name change, becomes American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers
The long-standing US refining and petrochemical trade group National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA) on Wednesday officially changed its name to the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM).
“Our new name will emphasize more than ever what we stand for,” said president Charles T. Drevna. “This includes American manufacturing and jobs, proven and reliable products for your life every day, economic and national security, and benefitting consumers.”
“The name American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers will better describe who we are, what we do and how we serve the American people,” Drevna continued. “AFPM [is] the new NPRA.”
“AFPM will be just as vigorous as NPRA in educating Congress, regulatory officials and the American people about the vital role our members play in American life,” he said.
Early indications were that AFPM was struggling to catch on with the industry, with 77% of Hydrocarbon Processing readers claiming they preferred NPRA as the name.
The association marked the occasion with an event in Washington to discuss energy issues, launched a more user-friendly website and began limited advertising to increase public awareness of the new name.
The group also adopted a new red, white and blue logo.
The name change in 2012 - the 110th anniversary of the trade association - is the fourth in its history.
It was founded in 1902 as the National Petroleum Association, became the National Petroleum Refiners Association in 1961, and became the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association in 1998.
“We’re changing our name for several reasons,” Drevna said. “We’re proud to be American, and we want everyone who hears or reads our name to know that. We’re proud to be high-tech manufacturers, and we want everyone to know that as well.”
In addition, Drevna said association members are “proud to manufacture the fuels that keep America moving - gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and others - along with other refined petroleum products”.
The group said its members manufacture petrochemicals that are building blocks for everything not made of rocks, plants, other living things or metal
“America became the world’s economic leader in the last century by giving American manufacturers the freedom to innovate, grow their businesses, serve the American people, and create jobs for millions of men and women,” Drevna said. “We need to do that again.”
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