Family business Smith & Allan celebrating 100 years

Smith & Allan, an independent oil blending company, is celebrating a century in business from its original premises.

Founded in June 1925 by Mr Smith and Mr Allan, the company quickly built a reputation for supplying lubricants to the agricultural community in County Durham.

At the time, there was no delivery service and farmers collected oil while attending Darlington Cattle Mart.

Smith and Allan, based on Valley Street North in Darlington (Image: SMITH & ALLAN) It was later purchased by Bill Stokell, who saw the value of the name and kept it, laying the foundations for what would become a long-standing family legacy.

Still based on the original Darlington site, although expanded, the business has grown into one of the UK’s most respected independent lubricant manufacturers.

Despite growth and modernisation, it has stayed true to its roots with a strong agricultural customer base alongside industry clients.

The company has remained family-run for four generations. Bill Stokell set the course before handing over to his son Roger,

Roger’s successors, Darren Stokell and Mick Miller, led the company into the ‘digital age’ by expanding production and launching an e-commerce platform that now serves customers nationwide.

Now, the son of Mick, Rebecca Miller, is director, one of the fourth-generation family members who started working in the business at 17.

Rebecca said: “I am just very proud to continue the family legacy and do hope to see the business thrive for another 100 years and beyond.”

Smith & Allan credits much of its longevity to its people. Many team members have more than 25 years of service and several families have worked side by side for generations.