NTN Starts Mass Production Of High-speed Spindle Grease
Japan’s NTN Corp. began mass production of its SP-1 high-speed, long-life grease for machine tool spindle bearings in November 2026. The grease maintains stable lubrication under high-speed operating conditions, claims NTN. The company also said bearings filled with SP-1 achieved a DMN (diameter x speed) value of 2.3 million in tests simulating actual operating conditions, which the company describes as an industry-leading performance for grease-lubricated machine tool spindle bearings.
In separate durability testing at a DMN value of 1.4 million, bearings operated continuously for more than 18,000 hours under severe conditions. Developed through optimization of its base oil, thickener and additive combination, SP-1 is designed to extend bearing life and reduce maintenance requirements. NTN said the product could also encourage wider adoption of grease lubrication as an alternative to air-oil systems, simplifying equipment and improving energy efficiency. The company plans to target China and other Asian markets.
Gulf Western Oil Opens $24.8 Million St Marys Facility
Australian lubricant manufacturer Gulf Western Oil has opened a U.S.$24.8 million warehouse facility in St Marys, Western Sydney, more than doubling the size of its existing space. The new site at 84 Links Road adjoins the company’s head office and blending plant. The expansion is intended to increase production capacity, improve product availability and accelerate deliveries to domestic and export customers. The facility operates 20 hours a day, with orders accepted until 9 p.m. for next-day delivery.
Founded in Penrith in 1988 by Peter Vicary and his teenage son Ben, the family-owned business now employs more than 150 people nationally. Its St Marys operation manufactured more than 36 million litres of lubricants in 2025, supplying customers across Australia and exporting to 19 countries.
Owner Ben Vicary said the investment reflected the family’s commitment to Australian manufacturing and its Western Sydney roots. His daughter Hannah represents the third generation working in the business. Gulf Western Oil manufactures heavy-duty diesel, automotive, industrial, hydraulic, marine and gear oils, as well as greases, coolants and transmission fluids.
BASF to Switch Euro PIB Production to Renewable Power
BASF will transition its eligible European polyisobutene (PIB) production for external customers to 100% renewable electricity from January 2027, covering its Oppanol B and Glissopal product portfolios. The German chemical company said the change would apply to production at its Ludwigshafen and Antwerp sites, using existing renewable power supplies and additional volumes attributed through a mass-balance approach. Product specifications and article numbers will remain unchanged, requiring no customer requalification.
PIBs are important intermediates in the lubricants industry, particularly in the manufacture of ashless dispersants. PIB is reacted with maleic anhydride and polyamines to produce polyisobutylene succinimide (PIBSI) dispersants, which help keep engine contaminants suspended and prevent sludge and deposit formation. PIBs also find applications in viscosity modification and lubricant tackification. BASF said it also offers selected Oppanol B and Glissopal grades with a zero cradle-to-gate product carbon footprint.