Okarno is marking its 90th anniversary, which coincides with its parent company, Saint-Gobain Group, marking 360 years of achievement.
The milestone marks a legacy of commitment to quality and sustainability from this distributor of construction brands, including Gyproc, Thistle, Dalapro, Blue Hawk and Weber.
Jason Smith, Managing Director at Okarno, 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 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 90th 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 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. 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.
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.
