Company History
Nearly a Century of British Manufacturing Excellence
From a small family business established in 1928 to an internationally recognised manufacturer of high-performance lubricants, greases, coolants and specialist fluids, Rock Oil has built its reputation on technical expertise, innovation and a commitment to quality.
Through generations of family ownership, significant challenges and continued investment, we’ve remained true to the principles that have shaped our business from the beginning.
1928 – Where It All Began
Rock Oil was founded in 1928 by Fred Malone, father of Barbara Hewitt, who would later play a central role in the company’s development.
Having previously worked in weights and measures, Fred was looking for a new challenge and an opportunity to build something of his own.
What began as a small, locally focused business continued steadily until the outbreak of the Second World War, when restrictions and rationing of raw materials significantly affected operations.
Following the war, Rock Oil began to grow, gradually establishing a loyal customer base and expanding its operations. By 1958, the company had purchased its first sign-written delivery van, marking an important step in its development.
1966–1975 – Growth, Change and Resilience
The 1960s brought significant changes to Rock Oil.
In 1966, Fred’s daughter Barbara and her husband Ted Hewitt became company directors. That same year, Rock Oil acquired its first tankers, allowing the business to expand into the bulk fuel market.
A move to larger premises on Wharf Street followed a couple of years later, providing room for further development.
However, in 1973, disaster struck when a fire destroyed the premises. With the building uninsured, Rock Oil faced the loss of its facilities and materials, presenting one of the greatest challenges in the company’s history.
Following Fred’s passing in 1975, Ted became Managing Director and took responsibility for rebuilding the business.
With blending temporarily handled by an external manufacturer, the company worked to recover from the devastating setback. Through determination, careful management and the support of its customers, Rock Oil gradually regained its footing.
The 1980s – A New Direction Through Motorsport
By the beginning of the 1980s, Rock Oil had rebuilt its manufacturing facilities and returned to in-house blending.
The company faced an important decision about its future. Rather than competing primarily on price, Rock Oil chose to focus on developing technically advanced, high-performance lubricants.
Motorsport, particularly motorcycle racing, provided the ideal environment to demonstrate this commitment.
The demanding conditions experienced by racing engines and gearboxes required lubricants capable of delivering exceptional protection, reliability and performance. By developing specialist formulations and working closely with racing teams, Rock Oil established a reputation for technical excellence.
It was during this period that Charles Hewitt became increasingly involved in the family business, spending weekends at race circuits helping to develop relationships and promote the Rock Oil name.
One of the company’s earliest major motorsport partnerships was with Kawasaki’s Team Green off-road racing team, an association that helped establish Rock Oil within the motorcycle industry.
The decade also marked the beginning of Rock Oil’s international expansion, with its first export customer and the development of lasting relationships with distributors around the world.
Towards the end of the 1980s, Charles became Managing Director, allowing Ted to step back from day-to-day responsibilities following a period of ill health.
The 1990s – Investing in the Future
The 1990s marked another important period of growth and development.
Rock Oil relocated to its purpose-built manufacturing facility on Priestley Street in Warrington, providing the infrastructure needed to support increasing demand and a growing product portfolio.
The company also expanded through the acquisition of two established independent lubricant manufacturers: A.E. Bennetts of Liverpool and Nickerson Lubricants of Halifax.
Both businesses brought valuable experience and specialist knowledge, strengthening Rock Oil’s technical capabilities and broadening its offering across different industries.
These developments helped establish the foundations for the modern Rock Oil business, combining manufacturing expertise with an increasingly diverse range of specialist lubricant solutions.
Ted Hewitt remained closely involved with the company until his passing in 2005, leaving behind an important legacy in Rock Oil’s development.
2014 – The Next Generation of Leadership
In 2014, following 25 years as Managing Director, Charles Hewitt moved into the role of Chairman, with Greg Hewitt taking over responsibility for the company’s day-to-day leadership.
Charles had played a major role in expanding Rock Oil’s manufacturing capabilities, developing its international presence and establishing the brand within competitive motorsport.
Under his leadership, the business achieved record turnover and developed export relationships across more than 70 countries.
The leadership transition marked another chapter in Rock Oil’s history as a family-owned British manufacturer, building on the experience and values established by previous generations.
2017 – A Major Investment in Research and Development
In 2017, Rock Oil opened a purpose-built Research and Development Centre at its Warrington headquarters, representing one of the largest investments in the company’s history.
The 10,000 sq ft facility brought together advanced laboratory capabilities and teams from across technical, sales, marketing and senior management.
With more than £1 million invested in technical equipment, the new centre significantly expanded Rock Oil’s ability to develop, analyse and test specialist lubricant formulations.
The investment reinforced the company’s commitment to innovation, product quality and meeting the increasingly demanding requirements of modern engines, machinery and industrial applications.
Today – British Manufacturing, Global Expertise
From its origins as a small local business, Rock Oil has developed into an established British manufacturer supplying lubricants, greases, coolants and specialist fluids across a wide range of industries.
While motorcycle racing remains an important part of the company’s identity, its expertise extends far beyond motorsport.
Today, Rock Oil develops products for automotive, agricultural, construction, marine, horticultural, power generation and industrial applications, including specialist solutions for manufacturing processes, hydraulic systems and thermal management.
Motorsport continues to play an important role in the Rock Oil story. Over the decades, the company has worked with British and World Champions across multiple disciplines, using its involvement in competitive racing to demonstrate the performance and reliability of its products.
Rock Oil’s long-standing relationship with the British Superbike Championship is another example of its commitment to supporting motorsport at the highest levels.
Alongside its product development and manufacturing capabilities, Rock Oil continues to invest in more efficient production methods, including ultrasonic blending technology, supporting its commitment to reducing environmental impact while maintaining product quality.
Looking Ahead to 100 Years
As Rock Oil approaches its centenary in 2028, the values established by Fred Malone remain at the heart of the business.
Nearly a century of experience has helped shape a company built on family ownership, technical knowledge, innovation and lasting relationships with its customers.
With new generations of the family involved in its future, Rock Oil continues to build on that heritage, combining traditional British manufacturing expertise with modern technology and an increasingly diverse product range.
From a small operation in 1928 to an internationally recognised manufacturer, the Rock Oil story is one of determination, progress and an ongoing commitment to performance.