NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Longtime family business West Oil Co. has changed hands after 75 years — but the new owners say customers shouldn't notice any major changes, including the name.

 

Owners Robert "Bob" and Ann West said they were looking to retire after 40 years running the business Bob's father started 75 years ago.

 

"It was time," said Ann. "We want to enjoy life a little." 

 

Santa Energy of Bridgeport, Conn., added West Oil to its portfolio two weeks ago, joining its heating oil division. The company also operates Servco Oil & Propane, New Canaan Oil Co., and Cannondale Heating and Air Conditioning. It serves residential as well as commercial, industrial and institutional customers.

 

Stephen Santa said the company is still true to its roots.

 

"We've been in business since 1940, it was started by my great-grandfather. I work every day with two of my cousins who are part of the third generation," he said during an interview in North Adams. "We're just another oil company, a family-run oil company."

 

"A big family-run oil company," laughed Ann.

 

That family vibe and reputation is what attracted the Wests and the Santas to each other as potential partners. The Wests wanted to make sure their company would continue serving their customers in the same way and keep their employees working. Santa said it was an opportunity to acquire a well-respected business and expand their footprint farther in Massachusetts.

 

"We were looking for some acquisition opportunities," Santa said. "It was just that right feel."

 

While the names and faces will stay the same, West Oil will have a larger support system that will allow for enhancements in the coming months, including new software for accessing online accounts and scheduling deliveries and services.

 

Bob and his brother, Edward "Joe" West, took over the company from their parents in 1984, operating out of a garage on the family property in Clarksburg with Ann as office manager. Five years later they built a fuel storage facility with a capacity of 115,000 gallons on Ashland Street to accommodate increased business and built the office, warehouse and garage there in 1996.

 

West Oil merged with the heating oil division of H.A. George Fuel, another family business, in 2001.

 

But the couple was seeing peers and colleagues retire these last few years and began looking for a way to step away from the day-to-day operations. "It seemed like a good time, at 40 years," said Bob. 

 

They informed their customers of the switch to Santa Energy in a letter sent last week.

 

"They are a four-generation family business committed to the same standards and dedication of service to their customers as we are," they wrote. "We are confident that their broad range of products and services will support all of you, our dear customers, well into the future."

 

The Wests say they may be taking more time for themselves but they won't disappear. 

 

"We are ensuring that the rich 75-year history of West Oil Company will continue on serving your, our customers, but more importantly our friends, well into the future."