What ROCOL does

ROCOL is a UK-based developer, manufacturer and marketer of specialty industrial lubricants and line marking systems, operating as a division of ITW Limited (itself a subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works Inc., NYSE: ITW). Founded in 1878 and headquartered in Swillington, Leeds, the company employs 51-100 people and supplies products across six vertical segments: industrial manufacturing, food and beverage processing, metalworking and precision engineering, heavy industry, aerospace and defence, and site safety.

Its product portfolio is organised under multiple sub-brands addressing distinct chemistries and end uses. FOODLUBE is the NSF H1, ISO 21469 and Halal/Kosher/Vegan-certified food-grade range, including BIOGEN biodegradable wire-rope lubricants and the first-ever NSF 537 PFAS-free certified products. AEROSPEC supplies aerospace greases qualified to Boeing (MMS 657), Airbus (multiple A320/A330/A340/A380 programmes), Rolls-Royce (OMAT 401G, Syncrolift), Bombardier (Dash 8) and NATO specifications, underpinned by BS EN 9100:2018 QMS. V-CUT and TRI-LOGIC cover cutting fluids and hydraulic oils, including a motorsport-targeted TRI-Logic ATi variant. EASYLINE provides patented aerosol line-marking paint systems and applicators, and SCRUBS is the waterless hand-cleaning sub-brand. Core proprietary technologies include BIOGEN WIRESHIELD's pseudo-plastic rheology, DETEX metal/x-ray-detectable plastic components, the integrated TRI-Logic system, and PFAS-free formulations that maintain equivalent performance to prior chemistry.

Commercially, ROCOL sells B2B under minimum order values of £750 (UK) and £1,000 (international), reaching end customers primarily through a global authorised distributor network anchored by RUBIX (750+ European locations across 22 countries) plus regional partners in Chile, Spain, Jordan, Turkmenistan and West Africa. Named enterprise end-users include Boeing, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Bombardier, Dowty Propeller, Fugro, and EMAS ChiyODA. Marketing relies on technical content, distributor training programmes, industry events (Subsea Expo, Expocorma), and earned-media features in trade publications such as Lubes'n'Greases.

Name

ROCOL

Legal name

ITW Limited

Website

https://rocol.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1870

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

ROCOL is a UK-based division of Illinois Tool Works that develops, manufactures, and markets specialty industrial lubricants, food-grade lubricants, aerospace greases, cutting fluids, and line marking systems, sold globally through authorised distributors to industrial, food, metalworking, heavy industry, aerospace and site-safety end customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Lubricants

NAICS

Petroleum Lubricating Oil and Grease Manufacturing (324191)

akta.pro primary industry

Lubricant Formulation & Blending (Finished Lubricants) (EUALAJAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Greases & Specialty Lubricants (Greases, Pastes, Chain Oils, Silicone/Fluoro) (EUALAJAJ), Automotive Lubricants (PCMO, HDMO, ATF, Gear Oils, Coolants) (EUALAJAH), Lubricant Additives & Performance Chemicals (EUALAJAB)

Keywords

• Industrial lubricants
• Food-grade lubricants
• Aerospace greases
• Metalworking fluids
• Line marking systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Swillington

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Industrial Lubricant Sales: ROCOL generates revenue through the sale of high-performance lubricants, maintenance products, and specialised industrial solutions. Products are sold through a global distributor network and direct sales channels, with typical B2B commercial transactions including minimum order values.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

ROCOL develops, manufactures, and markets technically advanced specialist industrial lubricants and line marking systems. The portfolio includes high-performance greases, cutting fluids, hydraulic oils, biodegradable wire rope lubricants, food-grade H1 lubricants, aerospace-certified greases, and aerosol line marking paints, sold under multiple sub-brands including FOODLUBE, AEROSPEC, V-CUT, TRI-LOGIC, BIOGEN, and EASYLINE.

Product overview

ROCOL is an industrial lubrication company and division of ITW that offers a comprehensive portfolio of specialized lubricant products organized under multiple sub-brands. The core ROCOL brand provides high-performance industrial lubricants and maintenance products, while FOODLUBE offers NSF H1 registered food-grade lubricants for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. AEROSPEC provides specialist aerospace greases meeting military and commercial aviation specifications. V-CUT and TRI-LOGIC deliver cutting fluids and metalworking solutions for manufacturing operations. BIOGEN provides environmentally acceptable biodegradable lubricants for wire ropes and marine applications. EASYLINE offers line marking solutions including aerosol paints, applicators, and hand-applied coatings for site safety. SCRUBS provides waterless hand cleaning products. The company also markets products under ACCU-LUBE, BAKERLUBE, CHAINGUARD, FLO-LINE, PUROL, RTD, SAPPHIRE, ULTRACUT, ULTRAFORM, and ULTRAGRIND brands. ROCOL serves industrial, food, metalworking, heavy industry, aerospace, and site safety market segments globally.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ROCOL®: High-performance lubricants and maintenance products trusted worldwide for reliability, innovation, safety, and results.
• EASYLINE®
• SCRUBS®
• FOODLUBE®
• AEROSPEC®
• V-CUT™
• TRI-LOGIC®
• BIOGEN®
• ACCU-LUBE®
• SAPPHIRE®
• DETEX®

Products and services

• FOODLUBE XT Chain Fluid Food grade high temperature chain fluid formulated from synthetic esters with anti-oxidant package, performing at temperatures up to +280°C for bakery oven chains and conveyor lubrication.
• FOODLUBE UNILUBE Fully automatic gas activated lubricant dispenser filled with FOODLUBE Premier 1 grease, providing consistent lubrication for ball, roller, and plain bearings with adjustable dispensing over 1-12 months.
• AEROSPEC 100 Low temperature semi-fluid aerospace grease with synthetic di-ester base oil for lubrication of rotary actuators and compact high performance gear boxes operating at low temperatures down to -56°C; approved for Airbus A319, A320, A321, A330, A340, A380 and Dowty Propeller hubs.
• AEROSPEC 300 Long life multi-purpose grease for aviation and shipping with excellent corrosion protection and wide temperature range from -40°C to +140°C for both anti-friction and plain bearings.
• AEROSPEC 400 Wide temperature range multi-purpose EP aerospace grease for aircraft wheel bearings approved to Boeing specification MMS 657 and SAE AMS 3058, with temperature range from -54°C to +175°C.
• V-cut EP Extreme pressure cutting fluid with water mix milky type emulsion designed for medium to heavy duty cutting operations on harder materials such as hardened steels and tough alloys.
• V-cut SS Semi-synthetic dual purpose cutting and grinding fluid providing translucent green emulsion for general purpose cutting and grinding operations on most metals with dilutions up to 65:1.
• V-cut MP Multi-purpose cutting fluid with water mix milky emulsion for general purpose cutting operations on various metals including low to medium carbon steels with dilutions up to 35:1.
• BIOGEN WIRESHIELD High performance biodegradable wire rope lubricant with maximum penetration, excellent corrosion protection, and resistance to water wash-off, fling-off, and salt water, with temperature range from -50°C to +180°C.
• TRI-Logic ATi Maximum life cutting fluid optimized for aluminium, titanium alloys, high-tensile steels, and nickel alloys, free from nitrites, chlorine, boron, formaldehyde and mineral oil, designed for the motorsport industry.
• EASYLINE Edge Paint World's leading line marking paint aerosol with up to 100% more paint content, lasting twice as long as competitors, touch dry in 8 minutes, available in 9 colours for car parks, warehouses, and factory floors.
• EASYLINE Edge Applicator Patented high quality adjustable line marker spray machine specifically designed for use with the EASYLINE EDGE range of line marking paints, producing sharp lines up to 2 times longer lasting than competitors.
• EASYLINE Hand Applicator Hand-held applicator gun for free-hand marking and stencilling with EASYLINE Edge paints, providing added comfort and ease of use during extended marking periods.
• EASYLINE Hand Applied 2-part epoxy line marking paint for application by brush or roller, providing superior durability and chemical resistance with up to 3 years life expectancy.
• PRECISION SILICONE Spray Multi-purpose food grade silicone lubricant spray with high active content for long-lasting performance on slides, chutes, bearings, and conveyors with temperature range from -50°C to +200°C.
• ULTIMATE SILICONE Spray High performance non-toxic silicone spray for mould release and general lubrication with 30% more silicone content than standard products, 360° spray function, up to 80cm spray distance, and temperature range from -50°C to +200°C.
• DRY PTFE Spray Non-toxic non-staining dry PTFE lubricant ideal for dusty environments where wet lubricants cannot be tolerated, with sub-micron PTFE coating to prevent wear and extend equipment life.
• BIOGEN Rope Dressing Biodegradable and VGP compliant soft black wire rope lubricant with pseudo plastic rheology for excellent penetration and core protection with temperature range from -50°C to +180°C.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduces approximately 425 kg of PFAS from polluting the environment annually
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered strategic and core.

• National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 June 2025NSF awarded ROCOL the first-ever PFAS Free certification (NSF 537) in the lubricants industry for four products in the FOODLUBE range. ROCOL Senior Scientist Jess Baker worked with NSF on the testing process. ROCOL is currently working with NSF to test 25 more products in its range.
• Ynanch HyzmatcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 16 January 2024Ynanch Hyzmat became ROCOL's authorised distributor in Turkmenistan in January 2024. The partnership aims to elevate standards of lubrication and maintenance solutions in the region, fostering enhanced operational efficiency across various industries. Ynanch Hyzmat receives comprehensive training on ROCOL products to provide expert advice and support to customers.
• ALGHANEMcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 24 October 2023ALGHANEM became the official distributor for ROCOL products in Jordan. The partnership combines ALGHANEM's expertise in industrial and commercial sectors with ROCOL's lubrication solutions, providing customers with premium products and support for specific industrial needs.
• SODIAL S.A.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 6 July 2023SODIAL S.A., a Senegalese-based company trading into various African countries, became a ROCOL distributor in Senegal and other markets including Guinea, Mali, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritania. The partnership focuses on delivering high-performance lubricants for the oil and gas sector.
• ITW Industrial SolutionscoreOthers · 1 June 2023ITW Industrial Solutions is a sister company of ROCOL within the ITW group. The company opened a new $3 million, 4700m² production and office facility in Eislingen, Germany, combining ITW Fluid Europe's German businesses Kleinmann and Spraytec Germany. SCRUBS, DESTIX, B-TECT and DATAFLASH products are manufactured there.
• RUBIXcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 20 February 2023RUBIX is Europe's largest supplier of industrial maintenance, repair and overhaul products and services with over 750 locations across 22 countries. ROCOL attended RUBIX's southern team engagement event as the only lubrication specialist among ten companies invited, demonstrating products and discussing ROCOLCARE services.
• Imestre (Chile)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 26 January 2023Imestre has distributed ROCOL products for over 40 years in Chile. The company provides technical solutions for lubrication, abrasion, and corrosion to industry and mining sectors. ROCOL products are designed to work in severe operating conditions including extreme temperatures, high loads, and harsh environments.
• General Oil (Spain)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 25 January 2023General Oil distributes industrial and automotive lubricants throughout Valencia, Murcia, Alicante, and Albacete in Spain. The relationship began in 2007 when ROCOL was looking for local distributors to support clients across the Spanish market. ROCOL provides ongoing training to General Oil's team on product applications.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Molykote (DuPont): DuPont's specialty lubricants brand with strong aerospace, food-grade, and industrial grease offerings. Closely comparable to AEROSPEC and FOODLUBE in certified, application-specific lubricant niches.
• Fuchs Petrolub: Germany-based global leader in industrial lubricants offering specialty greases, food-grade, metalworking and aerospace fluids. Closely matches ROCOL's specialty/niche positioning across overlapping end-markets with a comparable industrial-lubricants-as-core-business focus.
• Quaker Houghton: Specialty fluids leader focused on metalworking, hydraulic, aerospace and industrial lubricants. Direct competitor to ROCOL's V-CUT and TRI-Logic cutting fluid portfolios and adjacent aerospace greases.
• Klüber Lubrication: Specialty lubricant manufacturer owned by Freudenberg, focused on high-performance industrial, food-grade (NSF H1), and aerospace greases. Directly competes with ROCOL's FOODLUBE and AEROSPEC ranges across certified, application-engineered lubricants.
• NYCO: Specialty aerospace and industrial lubricant formulator with deep OEM approvals. Direct competitor to ROCOL's AEROSPEC range in aircraft greases and synthetic ester formulations.

Others

• Lubrizol: Specialty chemical company and leading lubricant additive supplier. Comparable as an enabling supplier of performance additives/blends that compete with ROCOL's in-house additive and formulation capabilities for engine oils and greases.

Emerging players

• Bel-Ray Company: Specialty lubricant manufacturer focused on industrial, food-grade and racing fluids. Comparable mid-sized competitor in metalworking and certified lubricant niches where ROCOL's TRI-Logic and FOODLUBE compete.

Broad incumbents

• Shell Lubricants: Shell's B2B lubricants business with deep aerospace (airframe/engine OEMs), food-grade and industrial ranges. Direct overlap with ROCOL's enterprise customer base, but with vastly larger R&D and global brand investment.
• Mobil Industrial Lubricants: ExxonMobil's industrial lubricants arm covering greases, hydraulic, gear and metalworking fluids. Overlaps with ROCOL's industrial manufacturing, metalworking, and heavy-industry segments via large-scale global distribution.
• Castrol: BP-owned global lubricants brand with a broad industrial and specialty portfolio. Competes with ROCOL across industrial, metalworking and food-grade segments but at much larger scale across commodity and specialty SKUs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/itw-rocol
• Xx.com/rocol
• Facebookfacebook.com/rocol

Compliance20 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 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 ROCOL