PetroLiance LLC, formed in June 2006 through consolidation of four of the nations largest ExxonMobil distributors, acquired Columbus, Ohio-based AV Lubricants Inc. effective Sept. 1.
AV Lubricants, also an ExxonMobil distributor, provides lubricants to the aviation industry and to mining operations in Ohio, Kentucky and neighboring states. PetroLiance has major facilities in Columbus as well.
AV Lubricants has about 10 employees, according to PetroLiance Chief Executive Officer Kevin McCarter. Im sure well consolidate the Columbus locations into one, so therell be some inventory saving, McCarter told Lube Report. Theirs was a very lean operation so I dont see anyone getting laid off as a result. Thats not our thing anyhow.
He explained that as a regional distribution center for ExxonMobil, PetroLiance and earlier Commercial Ullman Lubricants – one of the four distributors that joined to form PetroLiance – had supplied bulk lubricants to AV Lubricants for a number of years.
McCarter has known AV Lubricants founder and Chief Executive Officer George Morrison for 25 years. Back when I worked for Mobil as a sales engineer, he was one of my larger customers, he recalled. You never know how your paths are going to cross over that many years.
He said AV Lubricants expertise in several key specialized off-road lubricants markets will greatly benefit the PetroLiance organization.
Its mainly based on Morrisons specific knowledge in working with coal miners over the years, McCarter said. George has wrapped his whole life into that, innovated, and has a couple of patents. Hes just a real thinker. Application issues, problem solving and the like – hes just really strong with that. Morrisons experience included managing a coal operation in Ohio; he now will assume a leadership role in PetroLiances sales and technical service.
McCarter recalled that Morrison started the business in a garage. Im so impressed that someone in this business which is shrinking and consolidating so quickly – thats kind of our strategy, to help it consolidate – started a company, and managed to keep growing it, developing enough cash to keep it growing for 10 years or so, he said.
PetroLiances significant resources will benefit our customers and employees, while we will be able to contribute valuable technical expertise and other strengths to the organization, said AV Lubricants Morrison. It truly is a synergistic combination.
PetroLiance was formed through consolidation of four companies: Boncosky Oil Co. of Chicago, Commercial Ullman Lubricants Co. of Ohio, Lubricant Technologies LLC of North Carolina and Young Oil CO. Inc. of south Florida. PetroLiance offers passenger and commercial vehicle lubricants, industrial lubricants and marine lubricants. It also provides fuels, ancillary products and services.