Lubrizol invested $20 million in its additive blending operations in Le Havre, France, saying it will help the company cope with increased complexity brought about by low SAPS and high-tier engine oils.
The engine oil market has grown fractured by a growing number of performance specifications, as the industry balances demands for better fuel economy and stronger wear protection. At the same time, restrictions on the use of sulphated ash, phosphorus and sulphur – all found to compromise different emissions control technologies – have pushed formulators to employ new chemistries.
Ensuring supply reliability for our customers as the engine oil market increases in complexity, and requirements continue to grow over the next few years is one of our top priorities, Frederick Henry, Lubrizol manufacturing director EMEA, said in a news release issued yesterday. By expanding our capabilities and capacity in Le Havre, well be able to offer our customers five additional products, enhanced formulation and testing, and a point of differentiation in the competitive marketplace.
The Le Havre plant is Lubrizols main lubricant additives manufacturing site in Europe.
The companys Le Havre expansion will include the addition of component tanks, finished product tanks and automated manifolds, among other upgrades to enhance safety and efficiency. The expansion will also provide greater flexibility of supply and better service to its customers, the company said, allowing it to manage new, more complex formulations.
According to its web site, Lubrizol purchased 32 acres in Le Havre, a city at the mouth of the River Seine, and built a plant there in the late 1960s.
Wickliffe, Ohio-based Lubrizol was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway in 2011 for $9.7 billion.