Trusted to deliver

Technical Manager Thomas Melia scraping out grease to perform one of Ironsides' many technical laboratory tests.

 

R&D Chemist Brittany Richards using the four-ball testing machine.

 

An Ironsides operative prepares an order for dispatch at the company's Manchester facility.

Ironsides Lubricants is a family-owned company that has been in business for over 85 years. It is now established as the largest independent grease manufacturer in the UK. Its success, says Sales Manager Jason Simpkins, comes down to four things: “Our staff, our products, our service, and our suppliers.”

The company specialises in own-label grease production, supporting everything from multinational OEMs to specialist wholesalers across industrial, marine, automotive, agriculture, mining and all industry sectors.

“We provide a full technical and after-sales service and have invested in and maintain a modern development laboratory at our plant, offering full product confidence, reassurance, and technical expertise,” explains Jason Simpkins.

“Oour strength lies in our ability to offer standard and tailored formulations, ranging from 400g cartridges to 14-tonne bulk, and to meet niche requirements.”

A key enabler behind the flexibility to provide a large variety of high-quality products is Nynas, Ironsides’ preferred oil supplier for more than a quarter of a century.

“We've been working with Nynas for over 25 years on base oil supplies for our grease production,” explains Simpkins. “Over this time, Ironsides have refined and developed the manufacturing of high-quality greases using Nynas naphthenic base oils.”

What began as a commercial relationship has grown into something more collaborative.

“Both commercially and technically, Nynas and Ironsides work well in a true business partnership to ensure that our products have a reputation for quality, performance, and consistency,” he says.

The strength of that partnership has been tested – and proven – during more difficult times.

“Nynas has proved a worthy and reliable supply partner to our business,” says Simpkins. “This was manifested, not least, when Nynas ensured Ironsides’, demand was met when supply or logistics were challenging during the post-Brexit period.”

Alongside reliability, Nynas plays a role in supporting Ironsides' forward-looking development efforts. The two companies actively collaborate on new product development, including trials of emerging base oil grades.

“Our latest offer from Nynas was the availability of lower carbon footprint base oil grades that add to our sustainability and commercial attractiveness in this changing world,” says Simpkins. “Nynas’ contributions complement our own technical capabilities.”

Ultimately, he sums up the value of the partnership in one word: trust. “Ironsides trusts Nynas to deliver on product quality, consistency, and technical and commercial support.”