A free-trade zone scheduled to be created in Southeast Asia next year will probably boost lubricant demand in the region, industry analysts say. It could also help large suppliers gain bigger footholds while creating barriers for newcomers.

Sichuan province-based Zhonghai Jinxiang Co. plans to build a facility that will make base oils for industrial lubricants using feedstock from an existing bitumen refinery.

Total announced that it will build a grease plant at its lubricant factory in Tianjin, China. The new plant will have capacity to make 5,000 metric tons of grease per year and is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Shandong Yuangen Petrochemical announced it is setting up operations to produce its Yuangen brand of lubricants in Singapore for distribution throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Formulators use a wide range of chemicals to perform the long list of jobs assigned to lubricant additives. Todays engine oils offer extensive examples.