After several years of working for lubricant refiners, Joe Gillespie organized his own company in 1966. This new business was started and operated in Rhome, Texas. There was a good demand for re-refined oils and in 1968 Joe acquired Cook's Oil Company, a lube oil recycling facility in Ft. Worth. After acquiring Cook's both operations were moved to Boyd, Texas to a new modernized facility.
In 1984 to complement the Cook's products, Gilco added the Shell and Texaco lines. On January 1, 1987, Cook's Oil Company, Inc. was changed to Gilco Lubricants, Inc. Gilco continued to package the Cook's label but added a more extensive product line under the Gilco name.
Although Gilco no longer re-refines any products we continue to be active in the waste oil market. Specialty Environmental Services of Texas is a Gilco Enterprises Company that handles not only waste oil but also used oil filters and used antifreeze.
Now with three generations of the Gillespie family involved in the b usiness Gilco maintains a complete inventory of most major brands, featuring Shell, Texaco, Quaker State, Gilco, Cook's, Jet Away and Golden Star. Gilco also packages private label products in both motor oil and atf.