Valvoline recently dedicated the company's new $35 million, 162,400-square-foot, world headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky.

"Valvoline has the vision to build the world's leading engine, and automotive-maintenance business," said Sam Mitchell, CEO of Valvoline Inc. "We don't have to be the biggest, but we are going to be the best."

As a brand of premium lubricants, Valvoline has been headquartered in Lexington for more than 30 years. The company recently spun off from Ashland Global Holdings Inc. to become the latest standalone global company based in Fayette County.

"Today is a great day for Valvoline," Mitchell said. "We officially dedicated our new headquarters, an amazing building that reflects our brand and our collaborative, innovative culture. But perhaps more important, it reflects our ongoing commitment to Kentucky and the communities we serve. We're proud to call Lexington home."

Valvoline employs about 5,500 people worldwide, with about 1,100 in Kentucky, in a variety of skilled, growth-oriented careers ranging from Valvoline Instant Oil Change technicians to corporate business professionals and supply chain specialists to research scientists and engineers.

Lexington Mayor Jim Gray said, "Valvoline's decision to invest in our community sends a message around the world that Lexington is a great place to do business. Valvoline, which has called Lexington home for more than 30 years, is a great employer that gives back to our community."

"Kentucky is a premier location in America for corporate investment, and Valvoline's decision to locate their world headquarters here stands as further proof of that," Governor Matt Bevin. "This state-of-the-art building, as well as the employees it houses, will be a tremendous asset to the commonwealth. We are grateful for this significant vote of confidence. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Valvoline as Kentucky further establishes itself as the engineering and manufacturing center of excellence in the United States."