A LITTLE DROP OF HISTORY
Trading since 1921, Witham Oil & Paint Ltd is a privately owned, family run business with its Head Office and lubricant manufacturing based in Lincoln. We also have a trade shop, decorating centre and distribution warehouse in Soham, Cambridgeshire. The business is today collectively known as The Witham Group and is now one of the UK’s leading independent manufacturers of a whole range of commercial and industrial lubricants and paints.
We are very proud of our culture and over the past century, we have grown a rich heritage and strong reputation built on quality, looking after our people, our customers and the environment.
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
The company started on the side of the Brayford Pool in Lincoln, an area then renowned for its industry. Using the river Witham to transport raw materials, the business started off as the Witham Oil & Candle Company making bicycle oils, candles and carbide for local businesses.
FACTORY MOVE
LASTING PARTNERSHIP
In 1968, the 3rd generation of the Smith family joined the business. Alan Smith was a chemist and looked after the technical and financial side of the business. Geoff Bottom, 2nd generation, also joined and was responsible for customers and sales. Together, Alan and Geoff built the company for the next 40 years.
ROYAL WARRANT
Perhaps one of our most prestiges moments was when, in 1991, we were appointed the Royal Warrant to HM The Queen. The Royal Warrant helps underline our company’s commitment to maintaining and building its reputation as producers of the finest quality lubricants and paints and suppliers of excellence.
In 1952, the company moved premises from the original site on the Brayford Pool to Webb Street in Lincoln and there the company started its path to further success. Agriculture was changing and needed oils and greases for tractors, combines, sprayers and haulage to transport the produce.
NEW HEAD OFFICE IN LINCOLN
By 1987, the Webb Street premises were not large enough to cope with the growth of the business, so the company moved to our current site on Outer Circle Road in Lincoln. The whole factory was moved by the team, our own lorries and a lot of blood, sweat and tears!
EASTERN COUNTIES LUBRICANTS PURCHASED
In 1993, we purchased a new company called Eastern Counties Lubricants Ltd in Soham, Cambridgeshire. This was the start of the Witham Group of companies. Soham now assisted in the distribution and expansion of our products in East Anglia and the Midlands and developed as a vital trade depot over the years ahead.
UNITED PAINTS ADDED TO THE GROUP
A successful paint manufacturing business was also purchased in Lowestoft. United Paints Ltd helped with the product offering to our existing customers as paints and coatings were a complimentary need of businesses with machinery and vehicles. Specialist paint expertise was acquired and “Witham Oil and Paint” was born.
NEW SOHAM DEPOT
With Soham growing rapidly, the depot soon outgrew its premises so Regal Drive in Soham was purchased. With a brand new large trade shop and room for more stock and storage, this location serviced our expanding customer base throughout East Anglia, the South East and Midlands.
WITHAM MOTORSPORT IS BORN
The Witham Motorsport division, established since 2015, is used to capture enthusiasm for, and involvement in, many different motorsport industries throughout the UK. We are proud to support the UK motorsport industry with unrivalled lubricant expertise, service and quality products, working closely with stockists, distributors, direct customers, car clubs, engine builders, drivers, race teams and workshop garages.
WITHAM CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF BUSINESS
We were very proud in June 2021 to hold our company’s 100th Annual General Meeting and reach this amazing milestone. The meeting was both in person and online to account for COVID restrictions.
The business created a new 100 year video which is available to see on our website and tells the story of our century in business so far.
NEW ROYAL WARRANT
In December 2024, we were extremely honoured and proud to be granted a new Royal Warrant by HM King Charles III. This grant was one of 386 given to companies drawn from those previously holding a single Royal Warrant of Appointment to Queen Elizabeth II and reiterates the high standards of operation and environmental credentials we hold.
THE NEXT GENERATION TAKES OVER
With the retirement of Geoff and Alan, the third generation of the Bottom family took on the reigns with Nigel Bottom becoming Managing Director and a new Management Team in place.
THE VLS IS BORN
Witham Group were most proud to be involved in the origination of the VLS (Verification of Lubricant Specifications). As a new subsidiary of the United Kingdom Lubricant Association (UKLA) the VLS provides a credible and trusted means to verify lubricant specifications.
DEVELOPMENT OF NEW ULTRASOUND BLENDING METHOD
The cost and environmental impact of traditional lubricant manufacturing has, for many years, been huge. Witham Group wanted to change this and in 2018 developed the new unique concept of Blendtek, a flexible blending solution using ultrasound technology and solar panels. Immensely proud of this manufacturing innovation, we believe we are the first company in the world to blend using a carbon neutral process.
ROYAL VISIT
We were honoured in July 2023 to receive a Royal visit by HRH Duke of Gloucester, who had heard about our company’s milestone in business but also wanted to hear more about our Blendtek blending process and all our latest developments. What an honour for the company!
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FUTURE
There is so much for the Witham Group to look forward to in the coming years. We remain traditional in terms of our core values of putting our people and our customers first and yet we remain committed to innovation with existing product development, environmental breakthroughs, and technology advances as we face the challenges of our industry and the changing world around us.
WHAT WE DO
We operate throughout the UK and abroad, supplying our products and services to a full range of industries including agriculture, road haulage, marine and off-highway plant industries, plus we also supply many other sectors such as manufacturing, heavy engineering, motorsport, green energy, country estates and horticultural businesses.
In recent years, the business has diversified into new innovative products and sectors and worked hard to put the environment at the heart of what we do. We remain committed and focused on our customers old and new. We now employ around 50 employees across the 2 sites in Lincoln and Soham and have a customer focused sales team throughout the Midlands, Yorkshire and East of England. Our team is our most valuable asset and key to our success. We are immensely proud of the incredible longevity of service held across the Group and believe that it is our people, at all levels throughout the company, who make the difference between average and exceptional performance.
Today we are proud to be preferred suppliers of award-winning oils, paints, greases and other essential products to a huge array of businesses throughout the UK and abroad. Using only the highest quality raw materials, we meet both the latest Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) requirements and worldwide industry specifications for all standards.
We are also extremely proud to have been awarded the Royal Warrant by HM The Queen in 1991 and again by HM King Charles III in 2024 for the goods and services we supply to the Royal Household & Royal Estates. The Royal Warrant helps underline our company’s commitment to maintaining and building its reputation as producers of the finest quality lubricants and paints and suppliers of excellence. A Royal Warrant is regarded as demonstrating a very high standard in environmental, social and corporate governance as well as innovation. Companies can only reach that status through careful and efficient management.
For many years now, Witham Group has also supported a variety of causes and we are delighted to have raised over £140,000 for many national and local charities close to the hearts of our staff, their families or our customers. From lawnmower races to charity balls and driving challenges, we have held a variety of events to help raise money, put something back into our communities and have some fun along the way.
The modern demands on vehicles and machinery is greater than it has ever been and engine technology is moving at pace. Lubricants play a fundamental role in the performance and longevity of all machinery and equipment, whatever its age.
Qualube is the brand name for our own range of quality lubricants, oils and greases. Qualube lubricants offer an extensive range of specific products for a huge variety of industrial applications, vehicles and equipment. All our products meet the latest and highest Original Equipment Manufacturers approved requirements.
They are manufactured to advance both the efficiency of the machinery as well as reduce the maintenance, and wear and tear of the working parts. Our technical teams ensure the latest technologies maximise results, and our customers get the right oil for the right application at all times.
Woco is the brand name for our extensive own range of quality paints and coatings and signifies true expertise and quality. We supply more than 3000 different formulations of industrial, decorative and protective paints and coatings to a wide variety of customers and businesses throughout the UK.
Our products are used with confidence by many agricultural machinery manufacturers, trade outlets, timber processing suppliers, contract decorators and many domestic applications. Specialising in floor paints, industrial, decorative and woodcare products, we can also supply paints and coatings from a variety of market leading brands such as Crown, Osmo, Ronseal, Sadolin, Fenwick & Tilbrook, Little Green Paint Company and Hammerite.
We have a growing range of non-toxic, water based, low VOC paints to support the environment and we work closely with customers offering full technical support and application advice, as well as offering an own label service.
MOTORSPORT LUBRICANTS
Witham Motorsport division has been established since 2015 and is used to capture our enthusiasm for, and involvement in, many different motorsport industries throughout the UK. British motorsport is an exciting arena, where all our products are required to deliver performance, protection, and reliability.
We are proud to support the UK motorsport industry with unrivalled lubricant expertise, service and quality products, working closely with stockists, distributors, direct customers, car clubs, engine builders, drivers, race teams and workshop garages.
Designed for modern classics and engines from a variety of different generations, these lubricants offer vital protection and enhance performance, giving a longer life on the road. Our Classic range of products has been designed for veteran and vintage vehicles that need a different approach to lubrication than those of the modern age. Our lubricant manufacturing business was established in 1921 and so we have grown with the unique specialist knowledge and understanding of how to provide the right lubricant for the right vehicle.
Today we are proud to be preferred suppliers of award-winning oils, greases and other essential products to classic and vintage vehicle owners across the country. We also supply garages, car clubs, and distributors with quality engine lubricants, greases, brake fluids, as well as useful workshop, rust prevention, cleaning and restoration solutions.
We passionately support many race teams, individual competitors and competition events throughout the UK, including the BTCC (British Tour Car Championship), Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship, British F4 Championship, 5 Nations British Rallycross, BTRDA Clubman’s Rallycross Championship, MG Championship, British Speedway, British Truck Racing Championship, BRSCC Mazda MX-5 Super cup, National Kart Racing Championship, Offshore Powerboat Racing and various Master Historic Race events to name but a few!
INDUSTRY ENDORSEMENTS & CREDIBILITY
Witham Group is passionate about quality and improving industry standards. We are committed to ensuring that our products and service are credible and trustworthy and aim to provide excellence in all that we do.
Witham Group T/A Witham Oil and Paint Ltd are extremely proud to have been awarded the Royal Warrant by HM The Queen in 1991 and again by HM King Charles III in 2024 for the goods and services we supply to the Royal Household & Royal Estates. The Royal Warrant helps underline our company’s commitment to maintaining and building its reputation as producers of the finest quality lubricants and paints and suppliers of excellence. A Royal Warrant is regarded as demonstrating a very high standard in environmental, social and corporate governance as well as innovation. Companies can only reach that status through careful and efficient management.
We are proud to be accredited with both the British Standards EN ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. ISO 9001 which ensures our entire manufacturing and distribution processes meet the highest standard and provides assurance that the way we do business is recognised as good practice and continues to be monitored and assessed to continue improvements.
IS0 14001 is the international standard for environmental management systems (EMS) and the most widely used EMS in the world. This certification is the endorsement of our environmental practices and procedures and confirms our ongoing commitment to putting the environment at the heart of the business.
We are strongly supportive of the United Kingdom Lubricant Association, which acts as the voice of the UK lubricants industry. It provides members with advice and information on current, future and pending legislation; monitoring UK Government departments and other agencies about proposed developments and helps lobby for improvements in legislation and regulation. Our Group Managing Director - Nigel Bottom is a VP of the UKLA Board of Directors and previous UKLA President.
ATIEL is the technical association of the European lubricants industry and has a Code of Practice, which provides guidance for developers and marketers of engine lubricants designed to meet current European performance specifications. As signatories to the ATIEL European Letter of Conformance, Witham Group are committed to the industry’s drive to use lubricants to help reduce CO2 emissions and improving fuel efficiencies, as well as keeping up to date with the latest technology requirements and specifications.
We are proud to be members of the VLS (Verification of Lubricant Specifications) which provides a credible and trusted independent means to verify lubricant companies. Being a part of these initiatives brings transparency to the lubricant market place and protects and educates the end user. Our Group Managing Director - Nigel Bottom is a Board Director of Verification of Lubricant Specifications. We also have representation on the VLS - Technical Review Panel.
UEIL - The Union of the European Lubricant Industry (UEIL) is the umbrella association of the European Lubricants Industry, representing their members and, in particular, the interests of SMEs and independent lubricant companies. To date, the UEIL represents more than 450 lubricant companies, who manufacture and distribute lubricant products under their own various trademarks throughout the European Union. With members in more than 22 European Countries and a unique collective experience of lubricants and the lubricants market, UEIL is the sole representative body for independent manufacturers of lubricants in Europe and has been recognised as such by the European Commission. It is UEIL’s policy to favour free and fair competition within the scope of prevailing EU and national laws. Our Group Managing Director - Nigel Bottom is past Chairman of the UEIL Technical Committee.
We support the paint industry in its drive to reduce the cost and complexity of regulation, enhance competitiveness, promote the industry and its exports, stimulate sustainable innovation and attract and train the next generation of talent.
OUR CORE VALUES & BUSINESS CODE OF CONDUCT
Witham Group are committed to being a responsible business. Our people are our biggest asset and Witham is committed to creating a positive and empowering work environment in which all employees feel valued for the work they do and the impact they make.
Everything we do is underpinned by the five principles of our business, or core values. We call these ‘THE WITHAM WAY’. In practice, each core value relates to the way our own business operates, how we treat our colleagues, customers, suppliers and contacts. These cornerstones are the key fundamentals that make up our business.
In addition, our aim is to always operate within a climate of excellence and to the highest standards of ethical and professional behaviour. Our relationships with our suppliers are critical to successful performance.
Trust is and always has been at the heart of how we do business at Witham Group. Our Code of Conduct is not just about following law and regulation, it is about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. It is a non-negotiable standard of behaviour which is expected from all of us and is designed to
protect customers, our business and our brand. It is fundamental for our customers and colleagues that we operate in a supply chain that is free from corruption, where human rights are respected and protected and where we treat our suppliers fairly and without duress.
Our customers need to know that our products are safe, that we care about the impact that we have on the environment and that we will never mislead them in our pricing or advertising. Our Code of Conduct therefore outlines our minimum standards for how we should all conduct ourselves, to meet and exceed these expectations.
Our Business Code of Conduct sets out behaviours that we expect of suppliers who are delivering services on to and on behalf of Witham Group. In selecting suppliers, Witham Group performs checks that are in line with procurement regulations that guarantee fair access to opportunities for all suppliers and equal treatment during selection processes. In addition, Witham Group suppliers are expected, when delivering services, information or goods, to act in a manner that is compatible with Witham Group’s Core Values.
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Witham Group prides itself on the quality of service that we give to all our customers and has an enviable reputation of putting the customer first and ensuring only the right product is recommended for the right job. We thrive on the personal advice and support we offer our customers, no matter how large or small their business or project might be. With over a century of technical lubricant and paint expertise we have firm cornerstones of operation in place to ensure this service continues on well into the future.
Witham’s technical team draws on over 100 years of industry experience and expertise and is here to help match the right products to the right application. We are also on hand if you have any problems or special requirements, and we take great pride in ensuring that our customers gain the benefit of our experience and understanding of all aspects of lubricants and paint application. We are passionate about recommending only the right products for the right application and helping customers with cost savings and improved performance wherever we can.
One of the most important aspects in manufacturing reputable products is the quality of the raw materials that we start with. The 'ingredients' that we use are second to none, which is why our products meet the latest and highest Original Equipment Manufacturers approvals. We also ensure that quality continues throughout our manufacturing processes, deliveries and sales, and support will always be a bedrock of our business.
OUR TECHNICAL SUPPORT INCLUDES:
• Helpful advice by telephone, email or face to face visit
• Easy to use online Lubricant Finder
• Recommendation on the correct use of our products
• Training days
• Product problem solving
• Factory tours & visits
• Safety and Technical data sheets
• Paint demos and troubleshooting
• Marketing support and Own Label service
OUR ENVIRONMENTAL ETHOS
Despite the huge range of products being manufactured and supplied by us, our aim is always to operate within a climate of excellence. Not only in terms of service and procedures for customers, but also for systems of product manufacture, the welfare, health and safety of all of our employees and those people affected by our activities. We aim to operate with corporate care and social responsibility.
In an industry where traditionally additives, chemicals and fossil-based products are essential to the manufacturing process, we have challenged ourselves to ensure, wherever possible, the environment is at the heart of our activities. We are working extremely hard to create a “greener culture” within our business. Included in this policy is a summary of what we have achieved and are continuing to improve on throughout the Group.
In order to achieve this, the business recognises that promoting sustainability and protection of the environment and the avoidance of pollution, is of the utmost importance, not only for the here and now but for the future of everyone. At all levels, and within all functions of the Group, we are committed to continual improvement of our management systems and enhancement of our environmental performance.
We are determined to ensure that wherever practically possible, our activities including purchasing, manufacturing, distribution, waste generation and disposal, will minimise the effect on the environment and prevent pollution. On the agenda at Board level and throughout the business, we strive to continually improve all areas of our activities and the impact we have on the environment.
We will always comply with relevant environmental legislation and industry codes of practice as well as any other compliance obligations, as a minimum level of performance.
WITHAM GROUP CAN OFFER:
Uniquely Blended Carbon Neutral Lubricants.
A wide range of Environmentally Sensitive Products.
Low Impact Packaging.
Unique Safe and Clean Oil Storage Solutions.
Industry Environmental Accreditations and Awards.
In recent years there has been a global move and increased desire for people and their businesses to choose more environmentally sustainable products, use less toxic ingredients, ensure sustainable supply chains and find ways to reduce their carbon footprints.
Traditionally in the lubricant industry, additives, chemicals and fossil-based energy have been essential to the manufacturing process. However, several years ago Witham Group challenged ourselves to review these practices and lead industry change in placing the environment at the heart of all our products and processes.
We are proud to have created a “greener culture” within our business. This means not only the best performing environmental products and services, but also our methods of manufacturing, energy use, waste disposal, packaging, fuel efficiency, storage solutions and welfare of those affected by our activities, have all been changed and are constantly monitored.
THE BENEFITS OF USING WITHAM GROUP:
9 Reduce your Carbon Footprint.
9 Improve your supply chain standards.
9 Help reduce CO2 emissions.
9 Improve vehicle fuel economy.
9 Ensure safer, cleaner products for your users and the environment.
As a reputable supplier, this means that Witham Group is making real differences to customer supply chains, by offering a unique package of sustainable credentials. In turn, businesses are able to more easily reach their own sustainability and environmental goals.
“The greenest kWh is the one you never use”…
The necessity to improve time, cost, and the environmental impact of the lubricant manufacturing industry, has driven Witham Group to develop and employ an innovative new blending system using ultrasound. “Blendtek”, as the process is called, removes the need for base oils and additives being heated at all, therefore eliminating the use of traditional gas and/or oil fired boilers for heat energy.
As a manufacturer of a huge range of different lubricants, this new technique enables us to blend thousands of tonnes of products using energy from solar panels and a simple 25 amp plug, saving time, energy and drastically reducing our carbon footprint. To blend a simple 10 tonne batch of oil product now takes less than 40 minutes, whereas previously the same batch would have taken 3 to 4 hours to complete in total.
“This exciting breakthrough is all about changing the environmental impact of lubricant manufacturing in the first place” says Nigel R Bottom - Group Managing Director. “So many environmental schemes and businesses look to offset their impact by using “carbon dumps or sinks”, and other environmental and climate protection projects. We have instead, come up with a way that prevents the creation of high energy use in the first place.”
For more information please visit blendtek.solutions
*Minimum 70% reduction depending on blend batch size.
93% reduction in gas energy used 70% reduction in blend time*
OUR LUBRICANT SERVICES
BULK STORAGE TANKS
As part of our service, we can supply a range of specialist bulk storage tanks for workshops and outbuildings. We can help advise on the best way to install the tankswhich for standard sizes are free of charge! (Subject to a technical lubrication survey). Your lubricants are filled up in the colour coded tanks as required, and the tanks have sight gauges, taps or pumps and come labelled with the different product names and their application.
Simple, clean and easy to use, these tanks help keep your working space ship-shape, avoid spills from containers, helps avoid oil contamination and helps the environment by using less packaging. They also provide important health & safety requirements for lubricant storage.
OWN LABEL
SERVICE
THE BENEFITS OF BULK STORAGE TANKS:
9 Keeps workshops clean and tidy.
9 Helps the environment by using less container packaging.
9 Creates more space in workshops and garages.
9 Easy to distinguish different lubricants for various uses.
9 Helps avoid oil spills and contamination.
9 Long lasting storage solution - with good maintenance these will last up to 50 years.
Witham Group are proud to be able to offer customers their own range of bespoke "own label" lubricants, paints, and cleaning products. This service is ideal for businesses looking to strengthen their brand identity while offering highquality lubricants, paints and other products to their customers. Not only do we design and offer all packaging labels for the products, we can also help customers market their own label range further with product brochures, website support, customer newsletters, e-shots and news articles.
FREE TECHNICAL LUBRICANT SURVEYS
With increasing fuel and maintenance costs, keeping equipment at peak performance is vital. Lubricants are to an engine what blood is to the human body and can be the sole reason if used incorrectly for breakdown or premature wear and tear. That is why Witham Group are committed to helping our customers on all aspects of lubricant efficiency and rationalisation, recommending only the right products for the relevant type of vehicle or equipment. Giving trusted lubricant advice means customers cost and lubricant issues are kept at bay.
We offer a free Technical Lubrication Survey of all your vehicles, no matter how big or small and we help you keep track of which oil or grease, anti-freeze or brake fluid is right for which vehicle. We also suggest if you are using too many different lubricants unnecessarily and help you rationalise your lubricant purchasing in the most efficient way. This Witham Group service is free of charge and with no obligation, yet provides an easy to understand and really useful summary in a professional reference file containing all the lubricant recommendations for every type of vehicle in your fleet, which you can refer to again and again. With helpful storage advice, we provide product recommendations to you that advance both the performance of the machinery as well as help to reduce emissions, maintenance and wear and tear.
Nigel Bottom Witham Group MD explains, “Our Free Lubricant Survey Service signifies our commitment to supporting and advising our customers on all aspects of lubrication, right through from purchase to application and beyond. This genuinely helps with rationalising products and storage and therefore helping crucially save money and maintenance time.”
FACTORY VISITS & TOURS
Learn About the World of Lubricants - if you like vehicles, machinery, engineering or engines, then finding out about how lubricants are made is what we do best. We are delighted to welcome visitors throughout the year to our Lincoln HQ and manufacturing factory. From car clubs, young farmers, engineers, college students, apprentices, mechanics, classic and vintage car owners, to farming groups as well as distributors or just interested customers, visitors get lubricants explained, a history of the Witham Group and all the industries and sectors we work in as well as technical Q&A sessions, bespoke to the audience.
Along with some fun and good old fashioned Witham hospitality, we explain all about how lubricants are made, show how we take raw materials and blend with unique processes and additives to create all the different “recipes” that result in the wide variety of lubricants you can buy off the shelf. We also explain the importance of using the right oil for the right application and what can go wrong if you don’t.
