Loadmaster Lubricants announced a $2 million expansion that will double grease production capacity at its 80,000 square foot Hugo, Minn., facility.
The expansion is necessary to meet growing demand, Loadmasters president Jim Paboucek told Lube Report. The project will add two grease reactors, four finishing kettles, and six storage tanks, Paboucek said, and will help the company meet demand for more mainstream grease products.
Currently, Loadmaster specializes in high viscosity gear oils for extreme loads and harsh environments. But Paboucek noted that the company is looking to produce more solvent and aqueous-based products, as well as various types of grease thickeners and product colors, and is hoping to address overall growth in the mining industry. This will be in addition to the companys presence in the construction, quarry, industrial, mineral processing and crushing operations markets.
Loadmaster expects continued growth and an expanded customer base as a result of the expansion, Paboucek said. The Hugo, Minn.-based grease company began production in early 2008.