Fuchs Sets Up New Lab in UK
Fuchs Lubricants (UK) plc opened a new quality control laboratory at its manufacturing site in Stoke-on-Trent as part of the ongoing expansion of its UK operations. The investment follows recent upgrades to the company’s blending and filling facilities and is intended to strengthen manufacturing capacity and support future growth.
Located alongside the blending and filling operations, the laboratory allows real-time quality checks, reduces testing times and improves coordination between quality control and production teams. It also enhances health and safety for the 24-hour QC operation. New equipment includes two Inductively Coupled Plasma analyzers, a water purification system and an automated pour point analyzer.
Europe to Restore & Protect
Valvoline Global Operations has launched its Restore & Protect motor oil in Europe, extending availability of the product for petrol and diesel engines following earlier introductions in other markets. Valvoline said the oil is proven to remove up to 99% of engine deposits and 78% of sludge while helping prevent future build-up when used as directed over four or more consecutive maintenance intervals. The formulation combines the company’s Active-Clean technology, which removes existing deposits, with Liqui-Shield technology, designed to reduce new deposit formation.
Valvoline said the European version has been validated through testing, meets ACEA and API performance standards, and is suitable for a range of vehicles and original equipment manufacturer applications depending on viscosity grade. Citing an ACEA report that the average European car is 12.7 years old, the company said longer vehicle life is supporting demand for engine maintenance. The product is available through Valvoline’s European distributor and service partner network.
Adnoc Buy Shell’s South Africa Network
Adnoc Distribution has agreed to acquire 100% of Shell Downstream South Africa from Shell South Africa Holdings in a deal with an implied enterprise value of about $1 billion, expanding its international retail fuel and lubricants business. The transaction is expected to close in 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. Following completion, a 28% stake in the business is expected to be sold to a local empowerment partner and an employee stock option plan. Adnoc Distribution will also enter a long-term licensing agreement to retain the Shell brand for its retail service stations and lubricants business in South Africa. Shell Downstream South Africa operates 580 company and dealer owned mobility and convenience sites and includes lubricants, commercial fuels, aviation and marine businesses. In 2025, it sold about 3.5 billion liters of fuel and operated 360 convenience stores. Adnoc Distribution said the acquisition is expected to increase earnings per share by 6% in the first full year after completion.