Castrol appoints Certa as distributor for all of Ireland

Leading lubricants brand Castrol has appointed Certa, part of DCC plc, as the official country partner for Ireland and Northern Ireland, focusing on the distribution of products across automotive, industrial, marine and energy sectors.

Certa, headquartered in Portlaoise, Co. Laois, has been distributing Castrol products since 2016 and its appointment as a sole distributor is said to represent a “significant strategic development” for the company.

The appointment will streamline the distribution of Castrol products, with Certa becoming a “one-stop shop” for Castrol’s latest range of lubricants, greases, coolants, and other advanced fluids across the island of Ireland.

The two companies will work together to strengthen customer support and account management teams, improve online access to product information, and expedite how orders are fulfilled and delivered. They will also invest in new brand awareness campaigns.

This new agreement also coincides with the Europe rollout of Castrol’s brand refresh, which is being implemented globally this year and into 2024. The new identity will be rolled out across Castrol’s product packaging, service partnership programmes, facilities, online and offline marketing, and global sponsorship assets.

Castrol is a market leader in Ireland, where it has been operating for over 120 years. The brand has its origins in C.C. Wakefield & Co Limited, which was founded in London in 1899. Its first order was for 12 barrels of cylinder oil from the Dublin and Wicklow Railway, and Dublin was the location of its first overseas office.

Vesna Di Tommaso, chief executive of Castrol Europe, said: “We know that our customers in Ireland operate across multiple sectors, and this requires a more co-ordinated approach to distribution. Certa will provide the convenience and efficiency of a one-stop shop.

“Both companies share similar values, with a progressive approach to innovation, and we both support a diverse range of customers who are experiencing rapid change. Certa’s proven brand-building capabilities and market reach supports our strategy to continue building and growing the Castrol brand in Ireland.”

Fabian Ziegler, CEO of DCC Energy, added: “DCC plc is proud of its long-standing relationship with Castrol in many regions across the UK and Europe, delivering a convenient and efficient service to customers.

“We are pleased Certa is becoming Castrol’s sole country partner for all of Ireland – it is an important step in our journey with Castrol, and we will work to grow this relationship further.

“This is a particularly important expansion for Certa, and this new partnership will make it easier for Castrol customers across the country to access products, regardless of the sector or market in which they operate.

“Castrol is a well-known brand in Ireland, and Certa’s national footprint positions it well to leverage the strength of the Castrol brand.”