The History of Glenkrag
Glenkrag Limited is located in the historical Co. Antrim town of Carrickfergus, 15 miles north of Belfast.
Jack McCready worked as a research chemist for Gallagher’s Cigarette Manufacturers and Mike Taylor worked in the elite product development section of ICI. They were both very keen aquarists and got introduced through another hobbyist friend in 1979.
1980 Saw the formation of the business partnership and the birth of Glenkrag. In these early days sales were completely livestock and the business operated from Mike & Jack’s garages at home. Jack and Mike were Glenkrag’s total work force.
1981 and Glenkrag was on the move to bigger premises. 1000 sq.ft of storage to accommodate the small selection of aquatic accessories and foods that customers had been requesting. At this time both Jack and Mike’s wives became employed to help with fish packing.
1983 and time for another move for the company. This time it was the big gamble to move into a proper industrial estate and start actively growing the business throughout the country. Courtaulds Industrial Estate with 7000 sq.ft was surely enough? By 1987 Glenkrag were now employing 18 local people and because of continued growth and customer loyalty were contemplating an even bigger gamble.
1988 the company moved 2 miles to Kilroot Industrial Park and had the luxury of 25,000 sq.ft of warehouse, fish house and offices. Pet and Aquatics in Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland was now growing rapidly. It seemed every couple of years a new bigger lorry was needed to cope with the ever increasing run schedules. By 2002 the company employed 48 and had a fleet of 7 delivery vehicles.
2004 has seen the company increase the size of its premises almost doubling its warehouse capacity acquiring an additional Office Block.
Now employing over 50 dedicated and long serving employees. Jack and Mike are still actively driving Glenkrag Limited forward for the future. In 2005 Glenkrag celebrated 25 years serving loyal customers across the Island. This year also seen Glenkrag open new business accounts on the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.
2006. Now employing 70 people with record turnover, Glenkrag develop new brands in “Cheeko” and “Plaque Busters”. The (Global) Pet Industry is rapidly changing. Partnerships with key manufactures and category management are the tools Glenkrag will use to keep developing the business across the island.
2010 Glenkrag celebrated it’s 30th anniversary, and continue to be the dominant force within the Irish pet and Aquatic Trade, we are always happy to welcome customers and suppliers to our premises to tour our facilities. Glenkrag develop new brands in “Base Camp” and “Aqua-dreamscapes”.
2013 Aqua Dreams becomes the latest brand from Glenkrag with a range of small glass aquariums and aquarium accessories.
2016 Four more members of Glenkrag staff reach the landmark of 21 years service, bringing a total of fourteen members of staff who have reached the landmark.
2017 Glenkrag makes a considerable investment in restructuring the warehouse racking, increasing our capacity by some 300 pallet spaces. Whilst our Fleet is one of the freshest in the business to ensure trouble free deliveries and safe transport with our own vehicles we’ve placed an order for 3 New Lorries for delivery in 2017.
Looking to the future. Jack and Mike are still actively driving Glenkrag Ltd forward and can see a great Pet Trade future for its employees and customers.
Now employing over 80 dedicated and long serving employees Glenkrag packs a mighty punch boasting some impressive facts within the pet trade in Ireland –
– The largest sales force
– The largest self owned delivery fleet
– Unrivalled delivery service to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
– Tropical, Coldwater and Marine fish/ Live food for reptiles
– Category driving brands in all sectors: Dog, Cat, Small Animal, Bird, Aquatics, Reptiles, Marine, Pond, Literature.
– A worldwide supplier network enabling us to bring unique products from the 4 corners of the globe to Ireland.
The Name “Glenkrag”
When Mr. Jack McCready and Mr. Mike Taylor founded Glenkrag in the Spring of 1980 Jack lived in Glengormley and Mike lived in Carrickfergus, the town’s original name being Kragfergus, as you can see the two halves of these town names formed Glenkrag, and so the name was born.