Croda

As we moved into 1979, significant changes were on the horizon. Ernest Tyerman transitioned to Joint Deputy Chairman alongside Don Jackson, allowing Sir Frederick Wood—knighted in 1977—to reclaim the role of Chairman and Chief Executive. Despite Sir Frederick's return, apprehensions grew about the company’s direction, especially with rising interest charges leading to ‘unexciting results’. At Croda, we stayed focused on delivering value amidst the challenges. #Croda100

We’re proud to announce that Croda has been named as finalists in two categories at the UK Customer Satisfaction Awards! We are grateful for the recognition as we seek to build new levels of togetherness and connection between Croda and our customers. This includes the outstanding contribution our people made to improve customer care this year, by listening to customers and acting on feedback. Sarah Dennett, Customer Experience Lead tells us: “We’re thrilled to be finalists for the UK Customer Satisfaction Awards in the Customer Feedback and Customer Commitment categories. Being shortlisted alongside leading B2C and B2B organisations highlights the significant advances we’ve made in developing and implementing Croda’s strategy. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our people, whose commitment has been instrumental in driving our progress.” Congratulations to all those involved in the nomination

In 1977, we took a significant step by acquiring Kimpton Brothers, a company specialising in spices, waxes, and ethnic foods. This acquisition also included Manley Ratcliffe Ltd, which catapulted Croda to become the UK’s second-largest retail supplier of honey! Croda’s innovative spirit even led to a memorable TV advertisement for our new product, ‘Honey in a Tube,’ voiced by the talented Richard Briers. #Croda100

Noel Curley, formerly Croda Chemicals “Croda has been my life. I have never regretted a moment of the time I have spent here, and never thought I would work anywhere else. "I still remember walking down the empty yard at Rawcliffe Bridge at four o’clock in the morning to collect my lorry to start the long day’s journey. The smell of the wool grease ovens; the coal fired boiler with the boilerman feeding it by hand. I remember that first long-distance journey – as a novice driver who had never travelled more than 50 miles from home. Two hundred and fifty miles to Port Talbot in South Wales, and no motorways. And then bumping into one of our own drivers, Eric Smith – boy, was it good to see a friendly face – who showed me around the giant steelworks there. "During those 18 years, those long days were to be my life.” #Croda100

When Croda celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1975, it had transformed from a small family business to a multinational corporation with 6,600 employees and 36 production plants worldwide. Profits had skyrocketed from £230,000 in 1964 to £12 million by 1974—justifying the description that Fred Wood had awarded it some years earlier: ‘Croda – the fastest-growing name.’ #Croda100

Aligned to the clean beauty movement, we are seeing the emergence of a new category of facial cleanser – the soft cleanse. Croda Beauty’s blog discusses the rising demand for ultra-gentle formulations that deliver the softest cleanse without sacrificing effectiveness. With insights into market trends and innovative ingredient technologies, this article explains why softness is becoming a must-have in skin and hair care routines. Written Christopher Bannister-Bailey, Marketing Coordinator, it’s a must-read for those looking to stay ahead in product innovation. Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/WuMK50UjL2H

In the mid-1970s, Croda doubled its operations in Australia overnight with the acquisition of the Lusteroid group of paint and printing ink companies. Not stopping there, Croda gained a foothold in New Zealand by purchasing F T Wimble, a trusted producer of inks and printers’ supplies. From Europe to Australasia and beyond, Croda was becoming a truly global company. #Croda100

While Croda’s headline-making acquisitions drew attention, there was also significant organic growth and technological advancement. Food acidulant sales surged, and a new malic acid plant was constructed at Widnes using Croda’s unique technology. In Japan, Croda’s innovative Super Refining™ process set new standards for product purity, introducing the iconic Snow White Lanolin™. The early 1970s saw another flurry of purchases including London Oil Medina (edible oils), and printing ink factories in Holland and Italy. Croda France and Croda Brazil were born, strengthening the group’s global presence. In 1973, Chairman Fred Wood handed over his Chief Executive responsibilities to Ernest Tyerman, formerly head of the Polymers division – a classic example of progress from office boy to Chief Executive. From edible oils to polymers, Croda was expanding into new frontiers — delivering progress in ways big and small. It wasn’t just about expanding by buying — it was also about innovating from within. #Croda100

In 1971, Croda made a further acquisition of A B Fleming (Holdings) Ltd, a loose collection of four fairly autonomous operations manufacturing printing inks, graphic supplies and synthetic resins. Whilst quite a departure from its other activities, the new companies had strong synergies with the adhesives already sold to the packaging industry and Croda’s thriving paints business. Flemings also had a well-established business in South Africa, which fitted with Croda’s plans to expand in that country. #Croda100

Curious about the science behind healthier, more resilient hair? Croda Beauty’s blog takes on common myths about bond-building haircare, explaining how these treatments strengthen and protect all hair types. With so many myths surrounding bond building and hair repair, it can be tough to distinguish fact from fiction, but this article clarifies any questions you may have. Read the full article by Helene Hine, Global Insights & Innovation Manager, here: https://ow.ly/MgFM50UjKQ5