Crown Oil Ltd

History

Crown Oil began trading in 1928 and was owned by Harry Greensmith; affectionately known as "Harry Lamp Oil". Greensmith traded door-to-door from a wooden cart, providing household goods, such as fire lighters, candles, and lamp oil (kerosene). After World War II, Greensmith expanded the product range of the company to include the bulk supply of fuels and lubricants.

The name 'Silver Crown Oil Distributors' was used from around 1947. The business was based in Heywood, Greater Manchester, England.

In 1959, Harry's only son, David Greensmith, joined the family business and new premises were acquired in the Heap Bridge area of Heywood. The distribution of fuels and lubricants became the primary business activity. The business was incorporated in 1977 and the name was changed to Crown Oil Limited.

The present headquarters, completed in 1990, are located at Bury in Greater Manchester. Headquarters was named 'The Oil Centre'.

Crown Oil remains family-owned. Ownership passed from Harry to his son, David, and thereafter to his grandchildren Andrew, Matthew and Abigail. Matthew Greensmith is now managing director, following David's early death in 2007.

Awards and sponsorship

Crown Oil was listed in "Crain's List Manchester 200 Largest Companies" in May 2008, taking the 60th position.

In May 2013, Crown Oil was announced as the principle sponsor of Rochdale AFC for the 2013/14 season. After a successful campaign in League Two, Rochdale AFC were promoted to League One and Crown Oil partnered with them again for the 2014/15 season.

In 2014, Crown Oil finished 163rd in The Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250 league table. This ranks Britain's mid-market growth private companies with the largest sales.

In August 2016, Crown Oil signed a sponsorship deal with Rochdale A.F.C. and Spotland Stadium was renamed Crown Oil Arena.

As a UK based lubricants blender and supplier, Crown Oil is part of the UKLA (United Kingdom Lubricants Association) and UEIL.