Morris Lubricants flying the British flag around the globe

Exports are booming for Britain’s leading family-owned, independent oil blenders and marketers, Morris Lubricants, which is now selling its wide range of products around the globe.

The past year alone has seen a 30 per cent increase in exports with new customers secured for the Shrewsbury-based company’s distinctive Union Jack branded products in the Middle East, Australasia, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and Africa.

In the Middle East, Morris Lubricants has reported a whopping 70 per cent increase in exports, with commercial vehicle lubricants and industrial process fluids and greases in great demand.

Export growth in Eastern Europe has persuaded the company to have a presence at a major industrial exhibition in Riga in October, while the international sales team is also targeting new business in China, the United States and South America.

A growing order book in the United States is focused mainly on automotive and motorcycle products, while there is keen Scandinavian interest in the company’s range of lubricants specifically designed for classic cars and motorcycles.

Business development director Aled Edwards has recently joined international business director Stephen Dawe and his team to drive further export growth.

Exports now account for a quarter of the company’s turnover, having seen major growth in the last five years. Directors are hoping that this consistent record of growth will help the company secure business awards this year.

To speed up export transit time, the company has signed agreements with two high quality lubricants companies in Singapore and Turkey to manufacture some Morris Lubricants branded products under licence.

“The company is putting more resources into international sales, which is helping to develop new markets around the world at a time when we are also seeing an upsurge in home market enquiries,” said Mr Dawe.

“Morris Lubricants is one of the few companies that are still manufacturing lubricants in the UK, which gives us a big competitive edge in terms of customer service and quality. Customers like to buy British products which are recognised worldwide for quality.

“Prospects look good for continued export growth, however, the only possible fly in the ointment is the strength of Sterling against the other major currencies, which is not helping British exporters.”

Working closely with two of the world’s largest additive companies, Morris Lubricants has developed a new range of lubricants for gas engines in combined heating and power (CHP) plants. The company has identified huge potential for these products, which are compatible with new and old gas engine technology and have been approved following extensive field trials.

A significant increase in orders from major ferry and marine customers in the UK in the past 18 months is expected to continue during 2014, which will see the launch new high-tech motorcycle products and new engine oils and transmission fluids for coaches, buses and heavy vehicles.

Employing 140 people, Morris Lubricants sells more than 800 product lines, including the latest auto and motorcycle lubricants technology for modern engine and transmission designs, as well as tailored grades for the traditional classic, veteran and vintage vehicle market.

Industrial metalworking fluids, specialist production lubricants and biodegradable lubricants complete a product portfolio to fulfil the needs of automotive, industrial manufacturing, agriculture, horticulture and forestry.

The company produces lubricants that are capable of operating in the most extreme climates, ranging from the Arctic Circle to the searing heat of the Australian Outback.