UPI's roots date back to the early 20th century with the formation of three Pioneer Petroleum Clubs in 1925. Established in Barrie, Norwich and Comber, Ontario, these petroleum clubs were essentially buying groups formed for the purpose of obtaining preferred pricing from suppliers. They eventually became members of the United Farmers' Co-operative Company (which was later renamed United Co-operatives of Ontario). Over the decades that passed, United Co-operatives of Ontario (UCO) worked to expand its distribution of energy products to include farms, businesses and consumers throughout rural Ontario. After nearly a half century of growth UCO's Energy Division was well on its way to becoming the energy supplier of choice in rural Ontario. The rationalization of the petroleum industry, which occurred in the late 1980's, led UCO to align itself with a major oil company. In 1991, UPI Inc. was formed as a 50/50 Joint Venture of UCO and Suncor Energy Products Inc. In 1994, GROWMARK, Inc. (a large Illinois based agricultural co-operative) replaced UCO as a shareholder of UPI. As a result of the tremendous support from Suncor, GROWMARK and UPI's customers, together with the dedication of its employees, UPI Energy LP is ranked among the top three energy suppliers in rural Ontario. more... See more text