Vickers Oil Refinery

The Vickers first refinery was built in Potwin in 1915. During the first half of the twentieth century, Potwin enjoyed the prosperity of the Vickers Oil refinery. Commencing with a lease on the Parris Farm 10 miles north of Potwin, production reached 16,000 barrels a day during the late 50’s. In 1964, distressed economic conditions shut down the oil processing facilities. The company was sold to Swift & Company and the remaining operations were closed in 1970 – marking an end to an era of prosperity.