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Our Story
Mako-Lube History
The Story Behind Mako-Lube Specialist Lubricants
Mako-Lube Specialist Lubricants is a subsidiary of Brit-Lube Ltd, formed to provide British-made specialist lubricants as high-performance alternatives to common international brands. Our founder Gavin Armitage, having worked for a European Specialist Lubricants Company, recognised a space for a British-owned company in the industry sector. Mako-Lube fills this void, offering chemically advanced, cost-effective solutions.
Deep Roots in Petrochemicals
The Armitage family has a well-established history in petrochemicals and engineering stemming many decades. Their father and grandfather spent all their working lives at Ciba Geigy Specialist Chemicals, Trafford Park, Manchester. Ciba Geigy were pioneers in advancing base oil technology, developing specialists' fluids for lubricants, hydraulic additives and flame retardants. Today, Brit-Lube still purchases raw materials from a business formed by a colleague of their Fathers at Ciba Geigy.
Engineering Excellence
Ciba Geigy famously manufactured the hydraulic fluids for Concorde. Brit-Lube and related brands are the product of three generations of specialist lubricant chemistry and expertise!
The Journey Begins
Our Founders life in Specialist Chemical Began in 1998. Having recently left University with a Degree in Business & Marketing, he left a Managerial Role with an International Engineering Company to work for an Established European Specialist Lubricants Company. This was his first job in Chemical Sales and was fantastic experience, working with individuals who were great Salespeople and Knowledgeable Chemists. As his Product Knowledge & Industry Experience Increased, he recognised that there was an opening for a British Owned Specialist Lubricant Company. Therefore, he seized the opportunity and the journey began.
Brit-Lube® is Founded — Mako-Lube's Parent Company
Brit-Lube® Specialist Lubricants was founded in December 2000, the parent company of Mako-Lube. Brit-Lube began by formulating a small range of specialist maintenance lubricants fortified with friction reducing solid additives. The emphasis was on achieving 'Proven and Measurable Cost Savings' through targeted lubrication. This was often application specific, with materials tended to be sold in small volumes and pack sizes.
Continuous Product Development
As Brit-Lube's reputation grew, so did our passion for new product development. We have continued to stay at the forefront of advances in lubrication technology. Our product range today is vast compared to our initial range and we continue to formulate products using the most advanced materials available.
Mako-Lube — A Dedicated Reseller Brand
In 2011, the Mako-Lube brand was created as a dedicated reseller line for Brit-Lube. The brand was established to provide a distinct identity for specialist lubricants sold through distribution channels, allowing Brit-Lube's high-performance products to reach a wider market under a focused, recognisable Brand. Mako-Lube quickly became synonymous with quality, reliability, and technical excellence.
Mako-Lube — A Global Specialist Lubricants Brand
Through steady, strategic growth, we now serve manufacturing plants across the entire UK and internationally. Our expansion has been driven by the continuous development of our distributor network — a diverse and ever‑growing group that includes multi‑national engineering supply companies, family‑owned independents, and more than 20 overseas distributors representing Mako‑Lube across nearly every continent. This sustained growth reflects our commitment to building strong global partnerships and ensuring reliable access to high‑performance lubrication solutions worldwide.
