Rock Oil

What Rock Oil does

Rock Oil is a UK-based manufacturer of high-performance lubricants, coolants, greases, and renewable fuels, founded in 1928 and operating from a purpose-built facility in Warrington, England. The company manufactures 100% of its products in Britain and exports to over 70 countries, serving diverse verticals including automotive, commercial vehicles, construction, agriculture, industrial, marine, mining, power generation, rail, food and beverage, forestry, and horticulture. Its product portfolio is organized into brand families — SYNTHESIS (premium automotive engine oils), TRUCK-GUARD (heavy-duty diesel engine oils including VDS-5-approved variants), ULTRA-HYD (hydraulic fluids), COMPRESSOR-GUARD (industrial compressor lubricants with up to 12,000-hour TOST life), KOOL-GUARD (coolants), PRO-GUARD (greases), GEN-GUARD (stationary gas engine oils), INDUS-TURBINE (turbine lubricants), INDUS-GEAR BIO ES (biodegradable gear oils), Groundsman (horticultural oils), AGRI-GUARD (agricultural lubricants), and HVO (renewable diesel). The company holds OEM approvals from Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Stellantis, Bosch Rexroth, Siemens, General Electric, and John Deere, alongside certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, and received the Queen's Award for Enterprise in 2020.

The company's underlying manufacturing technology centres on ultrasonic blending — high-frequency sound waves producing microscopic cavitation bubbles that improve additive dispersion, reduce particle size, and enable ambient-temperature blending, reportedly cutting blending time by 51%, energy use per tonne by 70%, and CO2 emissions per tonne by 21%. Rock Oil generates revenue through the sale of lubricants, coolants, and greases distributed via a global authorized distributor network, dedicated UK motorcycle distributors, direct enterprise sales teams, and a newly launched Industrial Division providing technical support for industrial customers. Products are offered across pack sizes from 1L consumer units to 30,000L bulk deliveries, with pricing not publicly disclosed. Marketing leverages content, motorsport sponsorships (Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Oxford Products Racing Ducati, DL12 Indoor Trial), trade events (Intermot Cologne), and the 2024 NEPO201 public-sector framework approval.

Name

Rock Oil

Legal name

Rock Chemicals Ltd

Website

https://rockoil.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1928

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Rock Oil is a UK-based manufacturer of high-performance lubricants, coolants, greases, and renewable diesel founded in 1928, exporting to over 70 countries and serving automotive, commercial vehicle, industrial, agricultural, and power generation customers worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Lubricants

NAICS

Petroleum Lubricating Oil and Grease Manufacturing (324191), All Other Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing (324199)

SIC

Wholesale-Petroleum & Petroleum Products (No Bulk Stations) (5172), Wholesale-Chemicals & Allied Products (5160)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial & Heavy-Duty Lubricants (IMAEAMAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Gear Oils & Transmission Fluids (IMAEAMAE), Fuel Additives & Lubricant Additives (IMAEAMAL)

Keywords

• Industrial lubricants
• Engine oils
• Hydraulic fluids
• Coolants and greases
• Automotive lubricants

Headquarters

HQ city

Partington

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Lubricant Product Sales: Rock Oil generates revenue through the sale of high-performance lubricants, coolants, and greases to industrial and commercial customers. Products are sold through distributors, direct sales, and authorized resellers with various pack sizes from 1L to bulk deliveries up to 30,000L.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Rock Oil manufactures and sells high-performance lubricants, coolants, and greases for industrial equipment, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, agricultural machinery, power generation, and other sectors. All products are blended at a purpose-built manufacturing facility in Warrington, England, and distributed globally through authorised distributors, direct sales, and OEM channels in pack sizes from 1L containers up to 30,000L bulk deliveries.

Product overview

Rock Oil is a UK-based manufacturer of high-performance lubricants, coolants, and greases serving diverse industries including automotive, commercial vehicles, industrial, agriculture, construction, forestry, marine, mining, and power generation. The company operates from a purpose-built manufacturing site in Warrington, England, with nearly 100 years of heritage. The product portfolio is organized into distinct brand families: SYNTHESIS (premium automotive engine oils including FPW03, ECO-MV, and SPORT variants); TRUCK-GUARD (commercial vehicle heavy-duty diesel engine oils including ELITE LS, ELITE LS-FE, and MAX LV-FE ranges); COMPRESSOR-GUARD (industrial compressor lubricants including AIR 12000 with extended life up to 12,000 hours and 2000/5000/8000 series); ULTRA-HYD (hydraulic fluids including HVI LL, ZF LL, and specialized variants); KOOL-GUARD (antifreeze and coolant range with OAT, NOAT, HOAT, and Hybrid technologies); PRO-GUARD (specialty greases including FORESTER 320 HD and BENTONE-SYN HT 2M); GEN-GUARD (stationary gas engine oils in low, medium, and high ash variants); INDUS-GEAR BIO ES (biodegradable gear oils for sensitive environments); INDUS-TURBINE (turbine lubricants including ULTRA premium line and standard mineral oils); Groundsman (horticultural oils including 2-stroke and chainsaw products); AGRI-GUARD (agricultural lubricants including UTTO, SUTO, and TO-4 ranges); and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) renewable diesel fuel. The company also offers an Industrial Division providing specialized technical support for hydraulic, compressor, turbine, and gas engine applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SYNTHESIS: Premium fully synthetic engine oils including SYNTHESIS FPW03, SYNTHESIS ECO-MV, SYNTHESIS SPORT, and SYNTHESIS motorcycle oils for high-performance applications.
• TRUCK-GUARD
• COMPRESSOR-GUARD
• ULTRA-HYD
• KOOL-GUARD
• GEN-GUARD
• INDUS-GEAR BIO ES
• PRO-GUARD
• Groundsman
• Groundsman
• INDUS-TURBINE

Products and services

• SYNTHESIS FPW03 5W-30 Premium fully synthetic engine oil meeting Stellantis FPW 9.55535/03 specification for modern passenger cars and light commercial vehicles with Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards. Mid-SAPS formulation compatible with DPF, GPF, and TWC after-treatment systems; suitable for gasoline, diesel, LPG, and hybrid vehicles.
• TRUCK-GUARD ELITE LS 5W-30 Latest-generation fully synthetic extended-drain heavy-duty diesel engine oil fulfilling ultra-high-performance diesel (UHPD) requirements, meeting both High SAPS and Low/Mid SAPS specifications. Achieves up to 5.5% higher fuel economy compared with typical ACEA E9/API CJ-4 15W-40.
• TRUCK-GUARD ELITE LS-FE 5W-30 Volvo VDS-5 approved fully synthetic heavy-duty diesel engine oil engineered for fuel economy with low HTHS viscosity of approximately 3.1 cP. Suitable for Volvo, Renault, and Mercedes-Benz trucks and buses requiring VDS-5, RLD-5, and MB Approval 228.61 specifications.
• COMPRESSOR-GUARD AIR 12000 Extended-life air compressor lubricant range formulated using synthetic polyol ester (POE) base oils, available in ISO VG 32, 46, and 68 viscosity grades, achieving up to 12,000-hour TOST oxidation life. Suitable for rotary screw, reciprocating, and rotary vane compressors.
• COMPRESSOR-GUARD 2000 Series Premium quality compressor lubricants formulated from high viscosity mineral base oils with advanced additive technology. Extended service life up to 2,000 hours, available in VG32, VG46, VG68, VG100, and VG150 grades for screw, vane, piston, and reciprocating compressors.
• ULTRA-HYD HVI LL Advanced high-viscosity-index long-life hydraulic fluid using premium Group II base oils and shear-stable viscosity modifiers. TOST life exceeding 5,000 hours. Delivers up to 8.5% efficiency improvement and 2.7% fuel reduction. Available in ISO VG 32, 46, and 68.
• ULTRA-HYD ZF LL Zinc-free long-life hydraulic fluid meeting Bosch Rexroth RDE 90245 specification. Over 10,000-hour TOST life and 1,500 hours in A2F10 pump test. Available in ISO VG 32, 46, and 68. Designed for environmentally sensitive industrial hydraulic systems.
• KOOL-GUARD Coolant Range Comprehensive antifreeze and coolant range including MEG, OAT, NOAT, HOAT, Hybrid NF, Si-OAT, PSi-OAT, MPG OAT, H-OAT, VCS, and Marine variants. Available as concentrates or ready-to-use solutions meeting ASTM D3306, BS 6580, and SAE J1034 standards.
• PRO-GUARD FORESTER 320 HD High-performance multi-purpose NLGI No. 2 grease for forestry machinery. Offers extended relubrication intervals, excellent oxidation stability, extreme pressure and anti-wear technology, and corrosion resistance. Available in 400g cartridge.
• GEN-GUARD Gas Engine Oils Range of stationary gas engine oils for Natural Gas, Biogas, Landfill Gas, Sewer Gas, and Wood Gas applications. Includes GEN-GUARD SG 40 (low ash), GEN-GUARD PLUS SG 40 (medium ash), and GEN-GUARD SG ELITE 40 (high ash) variants meeting API CF specifications.
• INDUS-GEAR BIO ES Series High-performance biodegradable gear oils based on unsaturated fatty acid esters. Achieves over 60% biodegradation in 28 days (OECD 301B). Available in ISO VG 150, 220, and 320. Targets hydropower, forestry, mining, and wind energy sectors. Meets DIN 51517 Part 3.
• INDUS-TURBINE ULTRA Premium-grade lubricant range for power generation and industrial applications. Developed for steam turbines, gear units, and oil-lubricated bearings. Made in Britain using Group II base oils. Available in ISO VG 32, 46, and 100. Approved by Siemens, Alstom, General Electric, and other major turbine manufacturers.
• Groundsman 2 Stroke High-performance semi-synthetic low ash 2-stroke engine oil for horticultural equipment. Suitable for ECHO, Husqvarna, Makita, McCulloch, Oregon, Partner, and Stihl equipment. Low smoke formulation designed for oil injection or premix applications.
• Groundsman Chainsaw Oil High-performance mineral oil-based chainsaw oil specifically developed for lubrication of petrol engine powered chainsaw bars and chains. Good low temperature flow properties and resists fling while providing lubrication.
• Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) Advanced renewable diesel fuel produced from 100% renewable raw materials including vegetable oils and animal fats. Offers up to 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional diesel. Compatible with existing diesel engines without modifications.
• AGRI-GUARD UTTO 10W-30 Superior multi-functional lubricant for transmission, hydraulic, and wet brake requirements of modern off-highway equipment. Approved by John Deere, Massey Ferguson, ZF, and other major agricultural equipment manufacturers.
• SYNTHESIS Motorcycle Range Premium fully synthetic motorcycle engine oils including SYNTHESIS SPORT 5W-30, SYNTHESIS SPORT 5W-40, and SYNTHESIS racing oils developed for high-performance motorcycle applications. Used by Oxford Products Racing Ducati in British Superbike Championship.
• TRUCK-GUARD MAX LV-FE 0W-20 Ultra-low viscosity heavy-duty engine oil designed for fuel economy and Euro VII emissions readiness, targeting modern commercial vehicle fleets. Part of the TRUCK-GUARD commercial vehicle range.
• PRO-GUARD BENTONE-SYN HT 2M High-temperature bearing grease within the PRO-GUARD grease range, designed for bearing applications requiring high-temperature performance.
• KOOL-GUARD P-OAT Phosphate-free organic acid technology coolants within the KOOL-GUARD antifreeze and coolant range, including a -38 ready-to-use variant.
• SYNTHESIS ECO-MV 0W-20 Multi-OEM very low viscosity engine oil meeting ACEA C5/C6, API SQ, and ILSAC GF-7A specifications, with Volvo VCC C6SP, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW approvals. Designed for modern petrol, diesel, hybrid, and turbocharged engines.

Quantifiable outcome

• 51% reduction in average blending time (from 219 to 107 minutes)
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments12 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered minor, regional and core.

• Crendon Tru7 HondaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Rock Oil provides sponsorship support for the Crendon Tru7 Honda racing team in 2025.
• Benella CommercialsregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 February 2024Strategic partnership with Benella Commercials as authorized distributor of Rock Oil's premium commercial lubricants including the Truck-Guard range. Benella Commercials serves commercial vehicle operators in the North East of England.
• DL12 Indoor TrialcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 May 2023Rock Oil is the exclusive lubricants partner for the DL12 Indoor Trial event, co-promoted by Dougie Lampkin. The partnership provides brand exposure to enthusiastic trial fans and reinforces Rock Oil's position in the 2-wheeled arena. Rock Oil has supported Dougie Lampkin for nearly a decade.
• Oxford Products Racing DucaticoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 December 2022Technical partnership for Bennetts British Superbike and British Supersport Championships. Rock Oil provides SYNTHESIS racing oil for Ducati Panigale V4R and V2s motorcycles. The partnership has continued for multiple years with technical support and high-quality products.
• Bennetts British Superbike ChampionshipcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial lubricant sponsor and championship partner for the British Superbike Championship. Rock Oil is the official lubricant to the championship, showcasing the Synthesis Motorcycle range through trackside branding and hospitality.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Fuchs Petrolub: Global independent lubricants specialist offering automotive and industrial oils. Comparable in operating model (independent, specialty-focused) but materially larger; serves as the primary independent scale peer.
• Motul: French-headquartered independent lubricant manufacturer with strong motorcycle and motorsport positioning. Directly comparable to Rock Oil's SYNTHESIS motorcycle range and racing sponsorship strategy.
• Millers Oils: UK independent blender of performance lubricants for motorsport, automotive, and industrial use, with similar portfolio breadth and a strong motorsport sponsorship profile analogous to Rock Oil's.
• Valvoline: US-headquartered global lubricants company offering engine oils, commercial vehicle lubricants, and industrial fluids. Overlaps with Rock Oil's SYNTHESIS and TRUCK-GUARD portfolios across automotive and heavy-duty segments.
• Morris Lubricants: UK-based independent lubricant manufacturer with a similarly long heritage (founded 1869) producing engine oils, industrial lubricants, and greases from a UK manufacturing site. Closest direct comparable on size, geography, and product mix.
• Klüber Lubrication: Specialty industrial lubricants manufacturer with strong positions in hydraulic, gear, and high-temperature greases. Comparable to Rock Oil's ULTRA-HYD, PRO-GUARD, and INDUS-TURBINE specialty industrial offerings.

Broad incumbents

• TotalEnergies Lubricants: Major integrated oil major producing lubricants for automotive, industrial, and marine segments with global distribution. Direct overlapping competitor in industrial and commercial vehicle categories.
• Castrol (BP): BP-owned global lubricants major with broad automotive, industrial, and marine coverage. Competes head-on with Rock Oil across most verticals but offers a much wider portfolio and global scale.
• Shell Lubricants: World's largest lubricants marketer, competing with Rock Oil across passenger, commercial, and industrial categories. Functions as a benchmark for OEM approvals and global account coverage.
• ExxonMobil Lubricants (Mobil): Global lubricants major covering automotive, commercial, and industrial segments including turbine and hydraulic oils. Overlaps with Rock Oil's full commercial and industrial portfolio at much larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/RockOilNews
• Facebookfacebook.com/rockoil.lubricants

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rock Oil