FRAM
FRAM is a 1934-founded U.S. automotive aftermarket brand owned by First Brands Group, manufacturing oil and fuel filters for DIY consumers, mechanics, and retailers through Walmart and Amazon channels, currently in distress following its parent's Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1934
- HeadquartersRochester Hills, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What FRAM does
FRAM is an automotive aftermarket brand founded in 1934 that manufactures oil filters, fuel filters, PCV valves, crankcase filters, and transmission modulators, serving DIY vehicle owners, professional mechanics, and auto parts retailers primarily in the United States. Its product portfolio spans budget "orange-can" filters, mid-tier offerings such as the EG+ PH7317P 10K Mile engine oil filter (the top-selling oil filter on Amazon with 21,000+ reviews and a 4.7/5 rating at approximately $4), and premium synthetic options including the Synthetic XG10060P (capable of capturing particles down to 23 microns and supporting up to 20,000-mile oil change intervals) and the Ultra Synthetic line. The brand operates through a hardware-sales revenue model distributed via big-box retail (historically Walmart at eye level) and online marketplaces (Amazon), with no disclosed subscription, licensing, or services revenue streams.
FRAM is owned and operated by First Brands Group, LLC, a private company headquartered in Rochester Hills, Michigan, which also controls brands including Trico, Autolite, StopTech, and Raybestos. First Brands Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2025 with more than $10 billion in liabilities, including $2.3 billion in undisclosed off-balance-sheet financing, and the company's former CEO Patrick James and his brother Edward were indicted in January 2026 for an alleged multibillion-dollar fraud scheme. In response to the financial distress, FRAM's 75-year-old Greenville production plant is scheduled to close by April 30, 2026 — affecting approximately 400 employees — after a dispute between Honda and investor Onset accelerated the shutdown. A $1.1 billion emergency rescue package from a lender consortium was assembled to prevent total collapse. Independent third-party testing (SlashGear) ranked FRAM second to last of 21 oil filter brands, suggesting product quality concerns that may be contributing to the brand's reported disappearance from major retail shelves.
FRAM firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- FRAM
- Legal name
- First Brands Group, LLC
- Website
- https://fram.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1934
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- FRAM is a 1934-founded U.S. automotive aftermarket brand owned by First Brands Group, manufacturing oil and fuel filters for DIY consumers, mechanics, and retailers through Walmart and Amazon channels, currently in distress following its parent's Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
FRAM industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Automotive Aftermarket Filtration (Oil and Fuel Filters)
- NAICS
- Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Merchant Wholesalers (42312)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Misc Durable Goods (5090)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Aftermarket Fluids, Lubricants & Chemical Products Manufacturing (Oils/Coolants/Additives/Cleaners) (IMACANAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Mechanical replacement parts distribution (engine, drivetrain, steering, suspension, brakes) (CRAOANAA), Lubricants, Fluids & Chemical Products Distribution (Oils, Coolants, AdBlue/DEF, Cleaners) (TLAKAOAL)
Keywords
Where FRAM is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Rochester Hills
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
FRAM business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel
Revenue model
- Automotive Aftermarket Parts Sales: FRAM generates revenue through the sale of oil filters and other automotive aftermarket parts through retail and online channels. Revenue is derived from one-time product sales to consumers and potentially through distribution partnerships with retailers and auto parts stores.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | FRAM EG+ PH7317P 10K Mile Filter - $4+ price point |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | FRAM Synthetic XG10060P - Premium synthetic option |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels3 records
FRAM product offering
Product offeringCore offering
FRAM is a manufacturer of automotive aftermarket filtration products, primarily oil filters (its core product), along with fuel filters, PCV valves, crankcase filters, and transmission modulators. The portfolio spans a budget "orange-can" line, standard PH6607 filters, extended-interval EG+ synthetic filters (10,000-mile), Synthetic XG10060P (20,000-mile), and the premium FRAM Ultra Synthetic. Products are sold through big-box retail, e-commerce marketplaces, and auto parts stores to DIY consumers and professional mechanics in North America.
Product overview
FRAM is an automotive aftermarket brand specializing in oil filters for vehicles. The product portfolio includes the EG+ PH7317P 10K Mile engine oil filter (the brand's top seller on Amazon), the Synthetic XG10060P advanced filter supporting 20,000-mile intervals, and the FRAM Ultra Synthetic premium variant. A budget line known as 'orange-can filters' serves cost-conscious consumers. The brand has historically been a dominant presence in big-box retail automotive sections, though recent reports indicate potential distribution issues at major retailers Walmart and Amazon.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- FRAM PH6607 Oil Filter Standard oil filter for automotive engines, sold at major retailers such as Walmart and Amazon and targeted at routine oil changes for consumer vehicles.
- FRAM EG+ PH7317P 10K Mile Engine Oil Filter 10,000-mile synthetic-blend engine oil filter; FRAM's top-selling SKU on Amazon, with over 21,000 reviews and a 4.7/5 rating at approximately $4, targeted at consumers seeking extended oil-change intervals.
- FRAM Synthetic XG10060P Advanced synthetic-blend oil filter capturing particles down to 23 microns and supporting extended oil change intervals up to 20,000 miles, positioned as a premium synthetic option for DIY vehicle owners and mechanics.
- FRAM Ultra Synthetic Premium-tier synthetic oil filter that filtered the most contaminants in third-party YouTube comparison testing by Brand Ranks, targeting enthusiast and professional users seeking maximum filtration performance.
- FRAM Orange-Can Filters Budget line of oil filters in signature orange packaging, positioned for cost-conscious consumers performing routine vehicle maintenance.
Quantifiable outcome
- Top-selling oil filter on Amazon with 4.7/5 rating and 21,000+ reviews
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use FRAM
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
FRAM technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
FRAM partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators5 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights1 record
FRAM competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Mahle: Mahle is a German automotive parts group with a major filtration division producing oil, fuel, and air filters sold globally. Directly comparable to FRAM as a head-to-head competitor in the aftermarket oil filter category, especially for passenger car and light-duty applications.
- K&N Engineering: K&N is a US-based manufacturer of high-performance oil and air filters with strong enthusiast brand equity. Comparable to FRAM as a competing automotive filter brand, though K&N skews toward the performance/premium tier and the reusable aftermarket segment rather than mass-market DIY.
- Mobil 1 (Extended Performance filters): Mobil 1 oil filters are marketed alongside Mobil 1 synthetic motor oil, including extended-drain SKUs. Comparable to FRAM as a competing premium synthetic oil filter sold at mass retail, leveraging the parent Mobil/ExxonMobil brand and a similar extended-interval value proposition.
- Mann+Hummel: Mann+Hummel is the world's largest independent filtration specialist, manufacturing oil, air, fuel, and cabin filters under the Mann-Filter and Wix brands. Directly comparable to FRAM as a primary competitor in aftermarket oil filters with global manufacturing and OEM/aftermarket distribution.
- Purolator: Purolator (now part of MANN+HUMMEL-affiliated operations) is a legacy oil filter brand with strong US retail presence. Directly comparable to FRAM as a competing mass-market oil filter brand historically sold through Walmart, AutoZone, and O'Reilly channels for DIY consumers.
- Wix Filters: Wix Filters, owned by Mann+Hummel, is a long-standing US oil filter brand focused on heavy-duty and automotive aftermarket. Directly comparable to FRAM as a competing filter SKU sold through auto parts retailers and installer channels, with overlapping DIY and professional mechanic customer base.
- Hastings Premium Filters: Hastings is a US private-label heavy-duty and passenger car filtration manufacturer serving distributors and fleets. Comparable to FRAM as a competing oil filter producer focusing on the installer and jobber channel rather than big-box retail.
Broad incumbents
- Motorcraft: Motorcraft is Ford's OEM parts brand, producing oil filters and consumables distributed through Ford/Lincoln dealers and auto parts retailers. Comparable to FRAM as a competing filter brand at the same price tier and retail touchpoints, with the added advantage of OEM fitment default for Ford vehicles.
- ACDelco: ACDelco is GM's aftermarket parts brand offering oil filters, batteries, and broader maintenance items. Comparable to FRAM as an established mass-market automotive filter brand sold through retail and installer channels, often competing for the same eye-level shelf position.
- Bosch Automotive Aftermarket: Bosch's aftermarket division produces oil and fuel filters alongside brakes, wiper blades, and diagnostics. Comparable to FRAM as a competing premium and value-tier filter line carried by the same big-box and online retailers, with deeper technical brand equity in Europe but a similar DIY/SMB mix.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights5 records
Customer concentration
FRAM social profiles
Digital presenceFRAM financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
FRAM leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
FRAM funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
FRAM M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about FRAM
What does FRAM do?
FRAM is a manufacturer of automotive aftermarket filtration products, primarily oil filters (its core product), along with fuel filters, PCV valves, crankcase filters, and transmission modulators. The portfolio spans a budget "orange-can" line, standard PH6607 filters, extended-interval EG+ synthetic filters (10,000-mile), Synthetic XG10060P (20,000-mile), and the premium FRAM Ultra Synthetic. Products are sold through big-box retail, e-commerce marketplaces, and auto parts stores to DIY consumers and professional mechanics in North America.
Is FRAM a public or private company?
FRAM is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was FRAM founded?
FRAM was founded in 1934. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is FRAM based?
FRAM is headquartered in Rochester Hills, United States, in the North America region.
How does FRAM make money?
One revenue line is on record: automotive Aftermarket Parts Sales.
Who are FRAM's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Mahle, K&N Engineering, Mobil 1 (Extended Performance filters), Mann+Hummel, Purolator, Wix Filters and Hastings Premium Filters. Broad incumbents are Motorcraft, ACDelco and Bosch Automotive Aftermarket.
Does FRAM have an API?
No public API is recorded for FRAM.
What industry is FRAM in?
FRAM's product category is Automotive Aftermarket Filtration (Oil and Fuel Filters). Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMACANAK, Aftermarket Fluids, Lubricants & Chemical Products Manufacturing (Oils/Coolants/Additives/Cleaners), with a secondary code of CRAOANAA, Mechanical replacement parts distribution (engine, drivetrain, steering, suspension, brakes). Its NAICS code is 42312 and its SIC code is 5090.