Idemitsu Kosan’s U.S. subsidiary will establish a new lubricant distribution hub in Jeffersonville, Indiana, the company announced last week. The site was chosen for its proximity to Idemitsu’s manufacturing plant and access to four local interstate highways.
Idemitsu Lubricants America will lease 50,000 square feet of a new industrial building from real estate company America Place. Affinity, a manufacturer and distributor of uniforms, professional workwear and safety garments, will lease an additional 100,000 square feet of the building.
The new lubricant distribution hub is located within five miles of Idemitsu’s lube blending plant, also in Jeffersonville.
“We will utilize the America Place facility as a fulfillment center for our direct distribution of lubricants across the U.S.,” Rick Adkins, Idemitsu senior manager of supply chain logistics, said in a June 30 press release. “This facility is a perfect fit for Idemitsu Lubricants America Corporation due to its proximity to our blending plant as well as the interstate accessibility.”
Idemitsu Lubricants America blends engine oils and transmission oils at its plant, along with a number of industrial lubricants, including greases, hydraulic oils, cutting oils and coolants.
“Idemitsu considered several sites for its new warehousing and distribution operation,” said the operators of the River Ridge Commerce Center, where the hub is located. “The company chose the River Ridge location because of its prime location and America Place’s ability to accommodate specific operational needs.”
The subsidiary is 100% owned by Tokyo-based Idemitsu Kosan and was established in 1991 as Apollo America Corp. before changing its name in 2006. Idemitsu Kosan says it is one of the top 10 lubricant manufacturers globally.