About Us

Ashdowne Oil & Chemical was established in 2009 specifically to enhance the availability and supply of a range of specialist lubricant additives to the UK lubricants market.

Our Team

Tony Ball

Tony Ball has spent his entire career in the chemical industry, and since 1989 he has specialised in oil additives. Formerly a senior manager for a major chemicals distribution company, and then a director of a mid-sized independent, Tony is now co-owner of Ashdowne Oil & Chemical. In his spare time he follows a variety of sports, and enjoys a keen interest in politics.

David Clarke

A qualified surveyor, Dave Clarke has created various successful companies involved in construction, remediation and property. He founded Ashdowne Oil & Chemical after developing a logical solution which would vastly improve the supply of lubricant additives for one of the industry’s major players. Dave’s initiative has resulted in the business tripling in size since that “eureka moment”! Away from the company, he is a keen skier and motorcyclist.

James Mendeika

James Mendeika joined Ashdowne in October 2017, having played professional Rugby League in the English Super League and representing Ireland in the Rugby League World Cup. After several years managing the company’s operations, James moved in 2023 into Account Management. Since leaving the professional sporting environment, he continues to enjoy being active and attempting to improve his golf game helps to fill his weekends.

Ashdowne Oil & Chemical – a brief history

  • 2009

    2009

    Founded in 2009 to supply lubricant additives to independent oil blenders in the UK and Ireland.

  • 2013

    2013

    In 2013 Ashdowne moved to its current offices in the renovated and well-known former Greenall Whitley brewery in Warrington, Cheshire.

  • 2015

    2015

    Between 2009 and 2015 Ashdowne increased its market share on behalf of its founding principal partner, Afton Chemical, by a factor of three.

  • 2015

    2015

    In 2015, the company name was changed from Ashdowne Oil to Ashdowne Oil & Chemical to reflect the broadening of its portfolio through an agreement to supply the UK and Ireland on behalf of Carolus Chemical of Aachen.

  • 2016

    2016

    In 2016, Ashdowne extended its working partnership with Afton Chemical to distribute and supply the company’s full range of additives for fuels.

Afton Chemical

Afton Chemical Corporation has been Ashdowne Oil & Chemical’s principal partner since 2009. With global headquarters in Richmond, Virginia, USA, Afton is driven by its “Passion for Solutions®” philosophy, the mainstay of which are the company’s inspiring and dedicated personnel, expert and innovative chemistry, and bespoke and effective solutions in providing lubricants and fuel products to the global market.

Afton is part of the NewMarket Corporation family of companies, and has been working in the fuel and lubricant additives market for over 90 years. The company’s range of high-tech solutions include driveline, engine oils, performance and refinery fuels, and industrial and metalworking additives.

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