Okarno is proud to announce its 90th anniversary, which also coincides with that of its parent company, Saint-Gobain Group, marking 360 years of achievement.

The milestone marks a legacy of commitment to quality and sustainability from this leading distributor of the UK’s must-have construction brands, including Gyproc, Thistle, Dalapro, Blue Hawk and Weber.

Demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, the company 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 the several other sustainability initiatives from Okarno 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.

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Okarno, said: “Okarno’s 90^th 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 DIY retailers and merchants through sustainable delivery of leading product brands that meet their customers’ needs.”

Jason added: “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 90^th anniversary demonstrates that the Okarno brand has solid foundations built on purpose, energy and enthusiasm. 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 90^th anniversary with our parent company Saint-Gobain’s 360^th year.”

The Okarno journey has been marked by significant achievements, including the introduction of groundbreaking materials that have set new industry standards. Originally founded as Artex in 1935, the company pioneered textured finishes that became a staple in British homes. Over the decades, Artex has 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, Okarno 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 DIY and trade 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, Okarno prioritises providing customers with comprehensive support at every stage, including technical and after-sales assistance.

Looking ahead, Okarno, as part of the Saint-Gobain group, 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.

For more information about Okarno and its sustainability efforts, visit Okarno’s website.