The original British motor oil, Duckhams, is celebrating the success of its global expansion drive, having doubled its global network over the past twelve months. The iconic oil brand is now available in twenty-seven countries across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Duckhams has a long history dating back to 1899 when Alexander Duckham first established his own oil company. His entrepreneurial, pioneering spirit has been at the company’s heart since then. Duckhams was responsible for the development of revolutionary new process oils that controlled the build-up of carbon deposits in the 1920s and launched the first synchromesh gear oil in the 1930s. In 1951, Duckhams introduced Europe’s first multi-grade oil, an innovation which transformed lubrication technology forever.
After moving to new ownership, Duckhams received overwhelming support during a successful UK relaunch in 2017. Along with new packaging and branding, Duckhams began an expansion drive to bring the original British motor oil to markets worldwide. By 2020, Duckhams was already available in several Asian markets, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, UAE and Jordan. Over the past three years, expansion has stepped up a gear, with the network doubling from thirteen countries at the end of 2022 to twenty-seven countries as 2023 draws to a close. Notable launches this year include Ireland, Germany, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Cyprus and Malta. Several Asian countries, including Oman, Qatar, Taiwan and Kuwait, have also come on board.
The global rollout has been supported by a new range of high-quality modern passenger car oils to complement the classic car and commercial vehicle products and a return to motorsports sponsorship. Duckhams’ victorious motorsports legacy spans over 50 years, covering F1, Formula Ford, World Rally Championships and motorcycle racing. In 2021, Duckhams sponsored driver Dan Cammish won the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, and in 2023, Duckhams scored success again as Adam Smalley picked up the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Champion’s trophy. Duckhams are also OR BRIC Superbike 2023 champions in Thailand, solidifying their motorsports legacy.
Duckhams Chairman Jabir Sheth said, “As we enter our 125th anniversary year, we will continue to innovate and extend Duckhams’ reach to new global markets. Born in Britain. Raised where you are. Duckhams is such an iconic, well-loved brand, and I am delighted to see it winning on a worldwide stage. Duckhams was present in more than 60 countries, and we are reclaiming the legacy markets where workshops and consumers fondly recall us. Since 1899, Duckhams has blended innovation with quality to create products that make movement frictionless.”
