The John Hogg Story
From humble beginnings as flax traders in Northern Ireland in 1890 to one of the world’s leading manufacturers of dyes and markers for the petroleum industry today – we’re proud of our journey… John Hogg sets up business in Belfast, Northern Ireland to trade in flax. Today, we’re one of the biggest suppliers of Irish Linen. SUDAN® brand is launched by BASF, going on to cement its place as one of the most recognisable dye brands in the world. We become authorised distributors of Shell. First in Northern Ireland, and then in North West England and North Wales. Having a strong connection with the petroleum industry, we invest in a site in Trafford Park, Manchester to use as a base for our fuel marking business. We continue to grow our reputation for reliability and gain significant market share in the UK. As we expand our offering to international markets, we have initial success in Hong Kong, by adapting our offering to meet local needs. We achieve ISO 9001 quality approval and now have a global sales network of agents and distributors. We increase our product range and successfully expand our business across Europe, South America, Africa, parts of Asia and Australasia. We launch DYEGUARD® dyes and markers suitable for use in fuels, lubricants, greases, waxes and many other applications. In recognition of our export achievements, we receive the prestigious ‘Queen’s Award for Industry’. We acquire a large dye and marker manufacturer in Greece, build a new plant and introduce quality management systems. The market expands with the introduction of the Euromarker in 2002, and we take a leading role in helping to implement the new regulations. To maintain our competitive edge, we invest in a new dye and marker manufacturing venture in Asia. COVERTRACE® is launched by BASF, designed to protect fuel and lubricants. BASF launch KEROTECT® markers, designed to complement COVERTRACE®.
1890
1896
Throughout 1950s
1981
Throughout 1980s
1989
1989
Throughout 1990s
1994
1997
1999
2000-2003
2005
2006
2009
2010
We acquire BASF’s dyes and markers business, including COVERTRACE®, KEROTECT® and SUDAN® brands.
2012
In recognition for our export achievements, we win Chemicals Northwest ‘International Trade Award’.
2015
We commission a full rebrand to affirm our global presence, and highlight the world-class services and solutions we offer.
2016
In line with our focus on innovation, we invest in state-of-the-art laboratories and collaborative workspaces.
2018
We launch PURECHAIN®, the intelligent brand and fiscal marking system. Designed for the oil industry to safeguard product integrity and brand value, PURECHAIN® is our most accurate, secure and portable marking system to date.