The site was Esso's main European technical centre for fuels and lubricants.

The site had the staff of Esso Research, with around 500 scientists and engineers.

It conducted research into chemistry.

It was situated on the western side of the A4130 (the original A34 trunk route) on Milton Hill, above Steventon, Oxfordshire.

On disposal the site was split in two, between the headquarters of Infineum and the Milton Hill Business and Technology Centre.