More than half a century ago, Ian Williamson founded Alemlube, establishing a company that has become a cornerstone in the lubrication equipment industry in Australia.
When Ian started up the business in 1970 to distribute products from the US Alemite company, it would be fair to say that attaining such a pedigree was furthest from his mind.
Alemite, a global leader in lubrication systems and equipment with a history dating back to 1918, is widely recognised for inventing the first high-pressure lubrication system, revolutionising industrial maintenance. It’s known for its precision lubrication products, including grease guns, pumps, fittings, and centralised lubrication systems, which help reduce friction and wear in machinery.
Backed by the calibre of the Alemite innovations, Alemlube gradually evolved into a progressive and innovative organisation, focusing on customer-centric services specialising in lubrication equipment and solutions across both Australia and New Zealand.
The company’s product range includes grease guns, drum pumps, air operated diaphragm pumps, waste oil handling equipment, hose reels, diesel refuelling storage, delivery and metering solutions, vehicle hoists and lubrication systems, catering to sectors such as automotive, industrial, mining, transport and agriculture.
In addition to its extensive product line, Alemlube provides comprehensive workshop solutions, including capital equipment and fit-outs, ensuring clients have access to the latest technology and equipment.
The dedication to customer service and support has solidified its reputation as a trusted partner in the lubrication industry. Today, Alemlube continues to thrive, with Ian’s legacy evident in its strong and evolving company culture, with his son Mark running the company as the sales and marketing manager, along with his brother Ross as operations and IT manager.
“We don’t deal with the lubricants themselves,” Mark said.
“We handle lubricant solutions and accessories, such as equipment to pump oil, spray and deliver grease, enable grease lubrication, for example.
“When we started, the core business was lubrication equipment, and we then put together a range that suited the Australian market, including suppliers from around the world.”
The next step in Alemlube’s evolution was establishing a head office in Sydney, followed by a branch in Melbourne, and various agencies in the other states. “The network has now expanded with full branches in Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Auckland,” Mark said.
“Having our own branches, our own presence, our own sales team, our own installation teams in those locations was really a pivotal point in the company history, giving us a firm footprint in the Australia-New Zealand region.”
So now it’s 55 years on, and Alemlube is literally growing bigger and better.
“The longevity of the brand proves it all. We’ve invested and kept the integrity of the brand, evolving steadily and surely,” Mark said.
“We’ve started working on turnkey projects, and have our own workshops turning out world-class products.
“We have an identifiable and recognisable brand, helped also by partnering with not only leaders in their respective fields, but also niche products making new entrances into the market.
“This means we can provide customers with an unmatched range of products and solutions.”
And that’s perhaps quite the understatement. Just looking back at 2024 alone, some of the products offered by Alemlube have included battery-operated oil drum pumps, diesel storage and dispensing pods, commercial vehicle column lifts, spill containment solutions, tyre inflators and an extensive range of hose, cable and barrier reels.
As we move into 2025, what’s in store for Alemlube?
“I’m glad to say that we have more new and meaningful products on the way and already in stock than we’ve ever had before,” Mark said.
“For example, we have new lines of the Rewinda hose, cable and barrier reels, that lessen clutter around the workshop and make workplaces safer.
“We have a battery-operated 20l oil drum pump that can deliver up to 280 litres per battery charge, suitable for the transfer of engine oils, hydraulic oils, gear oils, transmission fluids and coolants.
“There’s an exciting range of spill containers manufactured in China, which means that we can get the product to market at a lower FOB pricing, shipping fees and shipping times included in the mix.
“And for the transport sector, we were appointed as ESOC’s sole distributor in Australia and New Zealand. We are bringing in and providing after-sales service for ESOC Australasia technology, which exchanges diesel engine fluids in a safe and clean process.
“It automatically takes the waste oil or the old oil out of the truck engine and then puts in new oil.
“It makes oil changes a breeze and cuts back on labour time and costs.”
Mark was particularly excited about a range of air-operated diaphragm pumps which are interchangeable in “form, fit and function” with an industry-leading line of pumps.
“They’re called the Dingo Series, and post undergoing exhaustive testing in the field we are confident that they perform to the highest standards,” he said. “Interest in this product has been very strong with spare parts both in individual and kit form available.”
With flow rates up to 568L/min and models ranging from ½” up to 2”, the pumps are suitable for the transfer of waste oil, AdBlue, diesel fuel, gear oil, engine oil, brake fluid, antifreeze and waste water.
And with so many products coming off the Alemlube conveyor belt, it’s no surprise that the business has had to bring in extra sets of expert hands.
“We’re creating new roles within the business, and adding real focus on the quality of our sales team and our technicians … the guys that go and fit a loop system onto an excavator or put in the gantries, hose reels and the oil, compressed air and water systems for installation work, for example,” Mark said.
“In short, we are trying to fine tune our business and improve our service. We know it’s a good offer: that said, we’re wanting to make it even better.”