Founded by industry expert and entrepreneur, Richard Hallett, the Hallett name has grown through reputation alone to become not only nationally but world renowned. Hallett is the biggest, best, and most trusted supplier for all that requires steam lubrication across the UK, with global notoriety as far afield as Australia and New Zealand. Its success is due to the unrivalled quality of the specialist formulations, as every product in Hallett’s signature steam oils line is perfectly suited to the exacting, specific needs of heritage steam.
With Richard Hallett now in retirement at the age of 73, Aztec Oils are incredibly proud to continue the Hallett legacy by ensuring supply of their same specialist formulations as part of our range. We wanted to share Richard’s story here, in the words of the man himself.
Richard Hallett, Founder of Hallett Oils
So Richard, where did it all start?
Well, I left school at 15 and coming from generation of builders I took a job with a builders merchants who were also oil distributors. With a passion for vehicles and a sticky beak, I took great interest in the nuance of lubrication and the specifics of application. It fascinated me!
What made you move into the world of steam?
Oh it’s just wonderful! Those fascinating powerful steam engines. They’re in a league of their own. They sing that unique song as they go along the track. How can you not love a steam locomotive? The smell of the exhaust! I was interested in them right from being a youngster when trainspotting and scrounging a footplate ride. I love them all, mind you - diesel, petrol engines, I’m my happiest when under any bonnet that hides an engine. I just find them wonderful.
How did you grow the brand to such impressive acclaim?
It was strange really. I’d picked up so much experience over the years, and my curious mind was always getting into the detail of whatever I was working on. I started to get a reputation as a useful problem solver when engines or something mechanical packed up or there was an issue. I saw all sorts of things - I could tell you some stories! But people kept coming back to me as I’d become so attuned to machinery that I could detect even the slightest mis-calibration of sound or smell. It was only when my son went to university and needed to build a website for his course that we put something together specifically for steam and model engineering oils, as that was my passion. It seems this was such a niche market that word quickly spread and suddenly I was in a line of business that I was close to my heart. As momentum grew, I was getting more and more feedback on the quality of the product that couldn’t be challenged by even the majors. There was also good demand for model engineering oils but that was never going to be in volume, and as my customer base grew, so did word of mouth. I’d never anticipated anything like it in my wildest dreams. The Business grew from word of mouth, purely by recommendation, at a terrific rate, it was amazing. Sharing problems that customer encountered with their machines, enabled me to increase my knowledge and pass on ideas and suggestion that may improve their equipment and knowledge.
So you taught yourself the business from the ground up?
Oh yes. People call me a chemist but I’m not! I think of Fred Dibnah in that I’m what you’d call a ‘backstreet mechanic’ - that’s what he called himself. I just followed where my curiosity and interest took me. From the builders trade to transport management to distribution through to blending with the majors. It was from there that I struck out on my own.
It’s an impressive story. With all that history and graft, how do you feel about Aztec Oils continuing the brand name?
I think it’s fantastic. I’m long retired now but to know that what I’ve built still lives on is wonderful. The formulations and quality remain the same so I know that nothing will ever be compromised.
To read more about Hallett Steam Oils you can visit the Hallett website or view products on our Hallett page. For sales enquiries or general queries please contact sales@aztecoils.co.uk and we will be happy to assist.
