Rock Oil was started back in 1928 by one Fred Malone, the father of the current chairperson Barbara Hewitt. After leaving his previous profession involving weights and measures, Fred desired a change and something he could really sink his teeth into. Rock Oil ticked over nicely as a small locally based operation until World War 2, when rationing of many raw materials meant the business had to take a back seat. It was post World War 2 when the business really took off.

The need for motorcycle lubricants to be able to perform to the highest possible level was essential because of the high demand on components in motorcycle engines and gearboxes. Technical excellence backed up with the involvement in racing, meant the Rock Oil name quickly became synonymous with top performing motorcycle products.