Timeline
About us
The Morris Lubricants Story
"To do the common thing uncommonly well brings success"
As one of the largest privately owned manufacturers of premium quality lubricants in Europe, Morris Lubricants has 150 years of experience in the industry. Since James Kent Morris' dreams of success back in 1869, we've continually honed our products and services, to develop a reputation worldwide for excellent quality and service. Today we deliver across a wide range of sectors and to more than 85 countries.
The message "To do the common thing uncommonly well brings success" was taken to heart by the company and that simple approach has served us well. We've evolved dramatically over the decades as technology has advanced. Staying at the cutting edge of innovation across the entire product line has been critical to our success. Morris Lubricants remains an independent family-owned enterprise that stays true to its core values in every aspect of the business.
For five generations we have focussed on quality, innovation, flexibility and trust across the entire business, The result is a range of products and services that are renowned across the globe. We develop close customer relationships, so we are in tune with and responsive to demand.
Everything we do is designed to make things simply work more smoothly. Not only do our products achieve this, but our team understands the importance of continual customer care. We're there for you and your business every step of the way.
Throughout the centuries
Our journey
Since 1869 ...
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1869
The first Morris shop - Grocery business and candle factory.
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1871
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1872
Installed a steam boiler and began a steam candle works
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1877
James Kent Morris starting importing paraffin to burn in paraffin lamps, which were superseding tallow candles.
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1891
Sadly James Kent Morris died in a pony and trap accident.
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1894
J.K. Morris Junior became Managing Director and ran the business with his brothers. The business, by this time, consisted of Groceries, Confectionary, a Bakery, Wines and Spirits, and a growing Lubricant blending plant.
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1911
Lubricant manufacturing continues to expand, leading to a need for larger premises and thus a move was made from New Street to Rowleys House in Hill's Lane.
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1915
First major contract to supply oil and greases to the Sentinel Waggon Works, Ditherington, Shrewsbury.
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1922
The company was incorporated and became Morris & Company (Shrewsbury) Limited on 11th November.
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1927
Oil manufacturing moved to the recently purchased "Corbett's Perseverance Iron Works" in Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury, which cost £6500. Leonard A. Paterson, grandson of J.K. Morris Senior, and a 3rd generation direct descendent, joined the company and took charge of the oil division.
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1935
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1936
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1943
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1954
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1967
L.A. Paterson's younger daughter Diana, marries David W. Goddard.
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1969
David W. Goddard joins Morris & Company
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1984
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1988
Edward W. Goddard, a 5th generation direct descendent of J.K. Morris Senior, joins the company.
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1989
John D. Alton joins the company as Chief Executive of the Lubricants Division.
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1996
Andrew J. Goddard a 5th generation direct descendent of J.K. Morris Senior, joins the company.
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2004
On 17th July Partition of Morris & Company Ltd., took place, and Morris Lubricants became a stand alone division of Paterson Enterprises Ltd., the Directors being Gareth Jones, David Goddard, Edward Goddard, Andrew Goddard and John Alton.
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2008
Andrew Goddard becomes Managing Director of Morris Lubricants
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2010
Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, opened the new production facilities, which are capable of producing 60,000 tonnes of product a year. The investment in the production facilities helped to reinforce Morris Lubricants' position as the largest independant oil company in the UK.
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2018
Andrew Goddard becomes Chairman of Morris Lubricants
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2019
Morris Lubricants celebrated its 150th anniversary!
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2020
The team at Morris Lubricants powered through Brexit, the Covid pandemic and numerous lockdowns. Through these challenging times, the company did not stop and was able to provide a continual supply of quality products to customers and key industries.
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2021
Andrew commenced a 2-year appointment as the President of the UKLA (United Kingdom Lubricants Association), the industry trade body that actively represents member company's interests both at home and overseas.
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2022
A new reception and meeting rooms were designed and built alongside improvements to various office spaces around the company. These new workspaces were designed to create an open and friendly environment for all.
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2023
With a focus on efficiency, flexibility and the mitigation of carbon emissions, £3M was invested in improving the production capabilities. This included the instillation of a 30 stainless steel tank farm, a fully automated product control and recovery system and numerous process improvements.
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2023
The company's commitment to sustainability took another leap forward after achieving the Ecovadis Silver award for sustainability, having previously gained the Bronze award in 2022.