- By gb0iL-admin
- In Press Release
G&B Energy purchases C&J LP Gas Inc. [2007]
ELKIN, N.C. – G&B Oil Company Inc. has purchased Wilkes County propane and heating oil supplier, C&J LP Gas Company Inc. Ravaughn Ashley sold the business in December to Elkin based, G&B Oil Company Inc. The two companies established a close working relationship in 1974 when they partnered in the propane gas business in Wilkes County.
According to Ashley, the decision to sell C&J was not easy. “After much thought, I came to the conclusion that after 35 years in the propane and heating oil business, it was time to retire. G&B has a reputation for excellent service. I know my customers will be in good hands,” said Ashley.
G&B Oil’s President, Jeff Eidson, said the purchase of C&J was a welcome addition. “We’ve had a good working relationship with the employees of C&J for years.
Our partnership in their propane business was actually the catalyst for this purchase. It’s a logical fit, and a great way to increase our customer base,” said Eidson.
C&J will operate as G&B Energy’s Millers Creek office. Much of the same staff will remain, including Lyn Ashley, son of Ravaughn Ashley, as the branch manager.
G&B Energy is the propane and heating fuel delivery division of G&B Oil Company. With the addition of C&J, G&B Energy will serve over 35,000 customers in Western N.C.
According to Eidson, the conversion of C&J LP Gas to G&B Energy will occur over the next several months. “Our goal is to transition C&J’s customers and employees to the G&B Energy family of products and services as quickly and smoothly as possible. The conversion should be completed by summer,” said Eidson.
Ashley, along with former partner Clay Church, started C&J in 1972. In an effort to expand their market share in the growing propane industry the company partnered with G&B Oil Company in 1974. Church retired and sold his interest in the business to Ashley in 1993.
G&B Oil Company is a seventy six year old family owned company based in Elkin, N.C. G&B Oil operates two divisions, heating oil and propane supply division G&B Energy and convenience store division GB Express. After many years of growth, G&B Energy currently operates nine locations in Western, N.C. and is the 30 propane gas retailer in the nation, as ranked by LP Gas magazine. GB Express operates eight convenience stores in the Piedmont of N.C. For more information on G&B Energy please visit gbenergy.wpengine.com.
