Southern Chinas enormous manufacturing base makes it a huge market for metalworking fluids, but some heavy industries are moving overseas, taking with them chunks of demand for those products. This drove one new company in Guangzhou to focus on niche applications such as drilling and cutting oils for electronic devices.

Idemitsu Kosan Co. indefinitely postponed its merger with fellow Japanese oil refiner Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. to allow more time to discuss plans with its stakeholders, according to a statement released last week.

After expanding an agreement to distribute Gulf Oil International products in Malaysia, KA Petra Sdn said that it may build its first blending plant.

Chinese lubricant blender Sarlboro plans to construct a second factory in Tianjin, China, and is now in talks with the local government about the project.

MJL Bangladesh Ltd. and Indonesias PT Federal Karyatama recorded significant gains in profit and revenue, respectively, in the first six months of this year, according to reports released last week.