Okarno reports that it is proud to announce its 90th anniversary, coinciding with its parent company Saint-Gobain Group marking 360 years of achievement.
The milestone is said to mark a “legacy of commitment to quality and sustainability” from the leading distributor of some of the UK’s must-have construction brands, including Gyproc, Thistle, Dalapro, Blue Hawk and Weber. Further demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, the company – which rebranded to Okarno from its previous name of Artex at the start of last year – has invested in its headquarters in Nottingham, installing a biomass system which heats the warehouse, offices and hot water on the site. The wood-pellet-fuelled heating system saves up to 150 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
One of several other sustainability initiatives has been the transition of its distribution core fleet to run on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). Other sustainability improvements include Okarno dedicating 3.2 acres of the Ruddington site to biodiversity, providing a natural habitat for local wildlife. Over 4,100 bulbs, 190 shrubs and 445 trees were planted, and plans are in place to continue planting each year to sustain the habitat.
Managing Director Jason Smith (pictured) said: “Okarno’s 90th anniversary is a testament to our commitment to quality, sustainability and customer service. As we celebrate our past, we also look forward to the future, continuing to innovate and provide exceptional service to merchants and DIY retailers through sustainable delivery of leading product brands that meet their customers’ needs.
“A key strength of our business is being able to source a wide range of products from local suppliers and Saint Gobain products from our parent company, combined with our flexible and quick delivery service. Reaching our 90th anniversary demonstrates that the Okarno brand has solid foundations built on purpose, energy and enthusiasm.
Jason added: “These are the cornerstones of everything we do – continually looking for ways to exceed customer expectations and deliver best-in-class, unique service that makes life easier for them. We are proud to jointly share our 90th anniversary with our parent company Saint-Gobain’s 360th year.”
The Okarno journey has been “marked by significant achievements, including the introduction of groundbreaking materials that have set new industry standards.” For example, originally founded as Artex in 1935, the company pioneered textured finishes that became a staple in British homes. Over the decades, Artex evolved through innovation and strategic mergers, including its union with Blue Hawk in 1997, to better serve the building and construction sectors, as well as the home improvement sector.
The business rebranded to Okarno in January 2024 to “better reflect what it does as an essential fulfilment and supply chain partner for a range of leading construction products.” Today, the firm asserts is “reshaping how tradespeople and DIYers approach repair and construction,” offering a comprehensive range of products and flexible delivery options for merchants and retailers — from single parcels to mixed pallets.
More recently, Okarno has focused on launching and distributing innovative solutions to the trade and DIY sector, including products such as Dalapro Roll Nova – a ready-mixed roller-applied wall covering that helps to smooth and repair plaster and plasterboard surfaces. In addition to offering great products, the distributor “prioritises providing customers with comprehensive support at every stage, including technical and after-sales assistance.”
Looking ahead, in line with the Saint-Gobain group goals, Okarno states it is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and continually seeks new ways to reduce its environmental impact and help customers do the same.
