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 taken delivery of 3 New Lorries.

2019 A further four members of Glenkrag staff have reached 21 years’ service and have presented with a timepiece to mark this landmark in their Glenkrag career. The total number of staff presented with long service gifts has now reached 18.

2020 As we enter Glenkrag’s 40th year the Directors continue to invest in important IT infrastructure. This year also seen the delivery of two new Mercedes lorries as Glenkrag continue to keep our fleet efficient and cleaner for the environment. The Directors promoted Mark Hutchinson to the New position of General Manger

2021 Two further Mercedes lorries are ordered in the first quarter with a production date late 2021 and delivery in the first quarter of 2022. Much needed additional space has been located within our operation that has resulted in a further 90 pallet spaces being created. A further three members of staff receive a timepiece for 21 years’ service. The total number of staff presented with long service gifts has now reached 21.

2022 Logistics now operate with a young fleet of 12 Mercedes Eco Lorries and 2 Mercedes Long Wheel Based Vans. To further give additional space and covered areas for unloading the company has invested in two modular covered canopies, each one 20m x 15m. As we settle into year three of Brexit and NI Protocol, we are proud to have agreed three additional European distribution agreements. The fast-growing American software developer Epicor has been awarded the contract for our new ERP system that will go live later in 2022 and provide the digital next generation software and connectivity to ensure we keep developing and growing.

Looking to the future
Now employing over 90 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 Live food for reptiles
- Category driving brands in all sectors.
- A worldwide supplier network enabling us to bring unique products from around the world

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.