Production hots up in the cold as factory keeps world on the move
Jan 7 2010 by Christopher Knox, The Journal
Other developments around this time included the launch of Marine Paste, a low temperature lubricant and quick de-icer for metalwork on ships, and the development of a Rope Compound to keep ropes and tarpaulins supple in frosty conditions.
Current chief executive Gary Lydiate said: “From the outset, our products have always had a wide variety of applications. Its rapid growth from the pitch at St James’ is testament to Joseph Halbert and the early product he developed.”
The 1950s saw the firm’s anti-freeze used in the Norwegian-British-Swedish Antarctic Expeditions, and the same product was favoured by the 1952 to 1954 British North Greenland Expedition team, and the 1955 to 1958 Commonwealth Trans-Arctic Expedition.
The product has been improved many times over the years to meet with varying specification demands around the world, with the 1960s seeing the development of a low temperature lubricant for pneumatic tools, which helped the company to further expand into American markets.
The product is now used in over 50 countries worldwide, with the company operating plants in Japan, Korea, Belgium and The US.
The company, now third generation family-owned, following the death of Mr Halbert, is moving onto alternative markets and is developing a solution to help speed up domestic ground source heat pumps. Mr Lydiate said: “Although the extreme conditions of late have boosted production, we are looking beyond this and are dedicated to product design to grow the business even further.”
