History

85 years in the business

A brief history

The birth in 1908 of the innovative company that was later to become known as “Silkolene” was the vision of the entrepreneurial Dalton family of Belper, Derbyshire. Whilst William Dalton’s business started with agriculture in mind, his real inspiration led him into the supply of lubricants for the growing automobile market.

The early 20th Century brought with it excitement the length and breadth of Britain and across the world, as early cars and motorcycles became the centre of attention; Dalton’s business quite literally moved into lubricants as the internal combustion engine took over from horses for the transportation of goods and people.

The need for lubricants was the basis of an expanding business, and as race circuits such as Donington Park were developed, the Silkolene name quickly became synonymous with early racing and competition success, and it was to be the lubricant of choice for champions.

FUCHS Silkolene is now a truly global brand sold in over 50 countries with over 30 years R&D expertise. This complete, comprehensive and evolving range has been the lubricant of choice of many championship winning teams. Our products are used, approved and demanded by leading professional race teams including MotoGP, World Superbikes, British Superbikes and many more including Motocross and Karting teams.

Developed using the latest lubricant technologies our products offer users measurable performance improvements. Use FUCHS Silkolene and you get a genuine “Oil Tune”.

From Tourers to Superbikes, Weekend Rider to full on Racer - FUCHS Silkolene is the leading brand of motorcycle lubricants, cleaning and maintenance products.

Hanley Site

1908

Dalton & Company Founded

Dalton & Company was founded by William Dalton. They manufactured and sold veterinary products to local farmers. Later, Mr Dalton realised there was potential in selling lubricants for farmers’ machinery and began developing oils for the motor industry. Shortly after, Mr Dalton was joined by his two sons Frank and Cecil Dalton who serviced as chairmen of the company.

Initially Dalton & Company bought in oil for resale, but commenced their own blending operation at Strutt Street in Belper (next door to the post office). Mr & Mrs W Dalton lived in a semi-detached house next to part of the premises, opposite the post office.
1931

Rapid Expansion

Following rapid expansion, Dalton & Co commissioned a new oil refinery in Derby Road, Belper, where the company stayed until June 2000. During World War Two, twenty million gallons of used engine oils were re-refined for the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, thus conserving supplies of these vital strategic materials.
1962

Silkolene Name Born

Dalton & Co were the first plant in the UK to manufacture pharmaceutical and cosmetic quality jellies in the UK. The ‘Silkolene’ name was born as Dalton & Co’s range of petroleum jellies.
1982

Silkolene Enters Motorsport

Following on from Dalton & Co’s expertise in synthetic aircraft fluids technology, the UK motorcycle market was next to be conquered. The Silkolene brand fully entered the motorsport world with Silkolene rally teams and a long-term sponsorship agreement with Honda UK’s motorcycle race team.
1989

Dalton Sold to FUCHS

Dalton shareholders sold to the FUCHS Group
1990

Silkolene Lubricants Plc

Dalton & Co officially changed their name to Silkolene Lubricants Plc on 29th May 1990.
2018

FUCHS UK acquire VDV Glassline

The FUCHS group acquire Belgian glass container supplier VDV Lubricants, bringing additional specialist technology for the glass container manufacturing industry.

A GLOBAL BRAND

FUCHS Silkolene is now a truly global brand sold in over 50 countries with over 30 years R&D expertise. This complete, comprehensive and evolving range has been the lubricant of choice of many championship winning teams.

Our products are used, approved and demanded by leading professional race teams including MotoGP, World Superbikes, British Superbikes and many more including Motocross and Karting teams.

Developed using the latest lubricant technologies our products offer users measurable performance improvements. Use FUCHS Silkolene and you get a genuine “Oil Tune”.

From Tourers to Superbikes, Weekend Rider to full on Racer
FUCHS Silkolene is the leading brand of motorcycle lubricants,
cleaning and maintenance products.