Al-Manar, an Egyptian automotive parts dealer and lubricant blender, announced it started operations at a new production facility last week. The plant has capacity to make 50,000 metric tons per year of lubricants.
The company launched its Forma brand of lubes in 2018 and will produce engine oils, gear oils and industrial oils to be marketed under that name. It also makes greases, hydraulic fluids and transmission fluids supplied under the Bendix brand.
The new factory – located on Cairo’s outskirts in 6th of October City, Egypt – has room to expand, according to the company.
“The total area of the plot is 10,000 square meters, and our new plant, which constitutes the first phase, occupies 4,000 square meters,” Al-Manar CEO and Managing Director Ahmed Nawara said. “We will share details of the expansion, as part of the second phase, in the coming months.”
The company plans to double its market share and distribute to Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. Its aim is to make distribution to foreign markets 15% of its overall sales.
“We can expand production, blending, packing, and storage in accordance with market needs and exports,” Nawara said.
Al-Manar also signed a memorandum of understanding with Swedish company Nanol, a lubricant additive provider. The Stockholm-based producer will provide additives for Al-Manar’s products.