Houston-based Marathon Oil Corporation, founded in 1886, is an independent exploration and production company that operates domestically and internationally. The company is primarily involved in the exploration, production, and marketing of crude oil and condensate, as well as natural gas liquids and natural gas. Additionally, Marathon Oil also manufactures products derived from natural gas, such as liquefied natural gas and methanol. The company possesses and manages central gathering and treatment facilities, including the Sugarloaf gathering system, a 42-mile natural gas pipeline between Karnes and Atascosa Counties. The company was formerly USX Corporation but changed its name to Marathon Oil Corporation in December 2001.