Oiling the wheels

Gem Oils Ltd carved out its own little bit of history on Friday April 8 when it opened a brand new facility close to its existing premises at Regaskin, Co. Cavan.

Warehousing personified

The official opening clearly heralded the company as a significant player in the industry and gave the management of this family-run company the opportunity to publicly recognise its employees, particularly those of long service.

Impressive and purpose-built, the new 17,500 square foot factory includes a tank farm with 31 tanks, holding 600,000 litres at full capacity. The company has also invested in state-of-the-art filling equipment and further investment in this area is promised. The company’s former premises is now occupied by its expanding sister-company Gem Plastics.

Back, l/r: Michael Brady (22 years), Alex Milligan, Managing Director, Gem Oil Ltd, Mervyn Mills (32 years), Eric Forde, longest serving employee (33 years), Hugo McCaffrey (26 years), Helen Milligan, Commercial Manager Gem Oils Ltd, Hughie Newman (31 years). Seated - John Connolly (26 years), Philomena Maguire (29 years), Gerry Smith (23 years)

Alec and Helen Milligan, son and granddaughter of the late G.E. Milligan who founded the company in 1962 presided over the official opening in the company of their staff, their families, neighbours and a number of professional associates – all of whom joined in wishing the company continued prosperity.

All of the staff hails from the local area. Eight long-serving members of staff were honoured for their contribution to the company, having devoted 222 years of service to Gem between them.

Gem Oils sells a complete range of lubricating oils and greases, sourcing quality product in bulk and packaging it into various pack sizes. To ensure the highest quality the company has a laboratory facility for testing each batch of oil received.

The extensive range (120 grades) of oil is supplied for use in the transport, quarrying, agricultural, pharmaceutical and industrial sectors. Distribution takes place nationwide with the company’s own fleet of trucks and a tanker.

These tanks can store 600,000 litres of oil at full capacity

Having built up a loyal customer base, Gem Oils holds a substantial portion of this highly competitive market and are one of the largest independent lubricating oil companies in Ireland.
While other major oil companies continue to withdraw from direct contact with their Irish customers, Gem Oils recognises the opportunity to continuously improve its level of service and support.

It is also one of the few companies that can offer practical technical support as a result of the accumulated store of knowledge and invaluable experience based on Alec’s 40 years in the business. His daughter, Helen, is carrying on this tradition as Commercial Manager in the company.

While Alec attributes much of the company’s success to the dedication of his staff, the company’s very professional approach to business is also an important factor.

The company’s committed sales team comprises four fulltime sales executives and a number of authorised distributors who are instrumental in the company’s ongoing success and well-established reputation. Every company exists through satisfied customers and this is the ongoing objective of Gem Oils.