Carbery celebrates 40 years of oil storage innovation

Carbery is celebrating four decades at the forefront of oil storage – a journey that began in September 1985 when its very first tank rolled off the production line. Forty years on, a modest operation has grown to become one of the industry’s most trusted names, with more than three quarters of a million tanks now in use across the UK and Ireland.

For installers, Carbery tanks have long been a familiar and reliable part of the job, designed to make fitting, maintenance, and long-term performance as straightforward as possible. That installer-first focus has helped Carbery remain relevant through changing regulations, evolving customer expectations, and new fuels entering the market.

The milestone is also about people. Jim Hunt, who was part of the team behind Carbery’s first-ever tank, is still with the business today, marking 48 years of service and proudly standing alongside the company’s 750,000th unit. His story captures the loyalty, expertise, and innovation that have shaped Carbery’s past – and continue to drive its future.

Looking ahead, Carbery is preparing for the next chapter: from tanks ready for renewable fuels such as HVO, to smarter monitoring technologies, to the vital role installers will play in helping households adapt to a lower-carbon future. In this Q&A, the team reflects on 40 years of progress and shares their vision for the decades to come.

Company beginnings and milestones

Carbery is celebrating 40 years this year – how did it all begin?

It started with a real need for an alternative product to steel to store oil for domestic oil heating systems, one that wouldn’t rust or rot. And plastic – manufactured by Roto Moulding – was the answer.

What were the big turning points along the way?

Mostly the acceptance of plastic as an alternative to steel tanks, which took a few years to achieve.

Looking back, what achievements are you most proud of?

I’d have to say the product range, design developments and quality standards that were introduced across the industry.

Product development and innovation

How have Carbery’s tanks changed since 1985?

There have been significant advances in design, materials and of course new applications of fuel delivery systems e.g. fuel-points, Mobi-points, HVO tanks and caddies etc.

How has installer feedback shaped your products?

We always listen to our customers and try and accommodate their requirements into our product development where possible.

What sets Carbery’s manufacturing apart from others?

We’re a family-run company and are always innovating and improving efficiency to provide a quality product within a reasonable pricing structure.

How do you ensure tanks are built to last and meet today’s standards?

We have a rigorous quality control system in our factory and all tanks adhere to E.U. Standards E.N. 13341, OFTEC Standards OFTS 100 and Kiwa BRL K2 1002 standards.

What steps are you taking around safety and environmental responsibility?

The introduction of the bunded tank is a major advancement in controlling any spills.

Installers and customers

Which sectors rely most on Carbery tanks today?

We tend to get a lot of customers in the domestic heating sector, as well as the farming community and transport companies.

How does Carbery support installers in their day-to-day work?

Most importantly by providing a quality product that’s fully certified, but it goes beyond that. We answer the phone as soon as it rings and most of the time the member of staff who picks up can answer their questions, whether it’s a technical query, a change to the outlet or a delivery. Having long-standing staff who know the installers makes a big difference; it’s all about people working with others they like and respect. Everyone is busy, especially our installers, and because we’re so responsive, it means they’re not wasting their valuable time chasing up deliveries and instead, can focus on the job at hand.

People and culture

Jim Hunt has been with Carbery nearly 50 years. What keeps people at the company so long?

We operate a flat management structure; every employee is involved and aware of new product development. Our longevity as a manufacturer in the industry is also important to our team.

How would you describe Carbery’s culture today?

Always inclusive and respectful.

How are you celebrating this significant anniversary?

In the traditional way with cake and Guinness and a view to manufacturing another 750k tanks over the next 40 years!

The future

How are you preparing tanks for renewable fuels like HVO?

The design structure of our tanks and the materials used make them suitable for storing HVO.

What’s your message to installers and customers as you mark 40 years?

Carbery Plastics is nearly 50 years in operation, and with plans to expand the factory, you can count on us to continue supporting you over the next 50!

_{Images supplied by Carbery}