Celebrating 60 years in business this year, Gem Oils is a third-generation family run business based in Regaskin Co. Cavan.
Since 1962, Gem Oils has become synonymous with the supply of quality lubricants to the agri, automotive, commercial, off-highway and industrial sectors. Its team of talented and highly skilled professionals deliver the most cost-effective lubrication solutions to businesses across the 32 counties.
The company was founded by G.E. Milligan in 1962. His granddaughter Helen Milligan has been Managing Director since 2017 and following in her father Alec’s footsteps, is committed to innovation and the forging of long-term customer relationships.
“We have a long and proud tradition of focusing on getting the basics right for customers – quality products, designed to give our customers the best performance and value without compromise” Helen says.
“As an independently owned family business, we offer a personal service that you just don’t get from the multinationals. We will go the extra mile for our customers. Our flexibility, exceptional products and level of local service are what set us apart.”
She continues: “I cannot praise our staff and customers enough. We have many long-term employees, including two who have been with us for over 40 years. Our success has always been built on the calibre of the people we employ, and the commitment they have to our reputation and brand.
“Our customers are often second and third generation – especially in the agri sector! As a company based in rural Ireland, it was the foundation stone of our business. As in the other sectors we supply, our products have a strong reputation among the farming community.”
Gem Oils has come a long way in the last 60 years. 1962 was a turbulent year with global events focused on the escalating Cuban Missile crisis. At the same time in a quiet corner of Co. Cavan, G. E. Milligan – who had worked as an engineer for many years – set up a lubricating oil business which started with fuels and lubricants being sold in the local area. With the drive and ambition of his son Alec, the business would evolve to become a household name.
From humble beginnings, Alec looked to the local area for his markets. 1968 saw the launch of the first Gem-branded product – Gem No 1 Antifreeze – which was packed locally in Gem Oils branded bottles. As Gem moved into the lubricant markets selling tractor oils directly to farmers, consolidation was taking place with Burmah-Castrol buying Greenmount Oils. While this consolidation occurred, Gem had to find independent suppliers.
The 1972 Arab Crisis was the first major oil supply challenge to hit Western Europe since Suez and within the lifetime of Gem Oils. These supply shocks were to be repeated for the next decade, and Alec often drove his tanker to England to collect oils from suppliers and return them to Cavan for packing.
During this period, Alec gained a knowledge of the industry and built relationships that would stand Gem Oils in good stead for decades to come. By 1974, Gem Oils had its own branding. Partnering with Killeshandra Co-Op, the company moved to an order-and-deliver service which facilitated expansion, planning and growth. With the growth of its sales team, Gem could count on trusted product experts who could advise customers and users on the best product for applications as well as changes in products, services and technology. This technical sales component became a fundamental part of the business offering that Gem Oils is still renowned for in 2022.
In 1989, Gem Oils broke further new ground when it became one of the first companies in Ireland to attain ISO Quality Management accreditation. This standard provides customers with the reassurance that processes within the company are consistent, professional, managed and guided by constant improvement. More recently, the Co. Cavan concern was awarded the five-year accreditation for ISO 9001:2015.
In 2004, Gem Oils relocated to a modern purpose-built facility beside the original site. This state-of-the-art facility has been engineered and designed to future-proof Gem Oils for its ever-growing market and to enhance its capacity to compete as an independent oil supplier. The 1,750 sq. m. site includes a tank farm with 31 tanks which have a capacity of up to 700,000 litres.
When asked what the company’s most recent challenges have been, Helen replied: “Navigating our way through Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic has to be the biggest for sure. It has meant some substantial investment in technology and fundamental changes to the way we do things in some cases. But it has also reinforced the need to stick with what we know in many cases.
“For example, one of the themes that emerged from this period was how much we rely on each other during times of crisis, and the reciprocal effect that buying a locally-branded product has on people and communities.”
Having collaborated in-house to create a mascot image to recognise and promote this, Helen explains how “George” appeared for the first time last summer on Gem Oils packaging. Named after the man who started it all, he proudly reminds customers that by making this purchase they are supporting local jobs.
Helen concludes by saying: “If a customer has got a challenge, we’ll source a solution. If a particular product isn’t in the Gem Oils range, we can source it quickly.
“Finally, thank you to all our Gem Oils customers for your custom and loyalty. Here’s to the next 60 years!”
Gem Oils
Regaskin,
Co. Cavan,
H12 K298
Telephone: +353 (0)49 4378116
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.gemoils.ie
