The number of U.S. fast lubes reached 17,063, up 1,058 stores from a year ago, according to National Oil & Lube News 2013 Tops in the Industry Ranking. NOLN published its annual lists of the largest fast lube chains and other oil change providers in its March 2013 issue, estimating industry sales in the U.S. will reach $9.8 billion this year, a $1.1 billion increase from 2012. The 54 largest fast lube chains on this years list together run 6,799 facilities, up eight stores from last years...

The Federal Trade Commission has closed its investigation into Lubrizols acquisition of Rockton, Ill.-based grease manufacturer Chemtool, clearing the way for completion of the deal, the commission disclosed in letters on its web site. The acquisition was originally announced in November 2011. Wickliffe, Ohio-based Lubrizol had said Chemtools private label grease manufacturing would be a good fit with Lubrizols additives business. In 2011, Lubrizol was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway for $9.7 bi...

In separate notifications last month, SAE International cancelled two longtime military heavy-duty engine oil specifications, J2359 and J2361. The former is officially entitled Lubricating Oil, Internal Combustion Engine, Military Combat/Tactical Service; J2361 is Lubricating Oil, Internal Combustion Engine, Preservative Break-In. The two commercial standards were written 15 years ago, but the U.S. Army has found them less useful over time. Both cancellations are the result of a Nov. 15 letter ...

German lubricants maker Rowe Minerallwerk is building a new lubricant plant in Germany and looking to build another in Russia, the company told Lube Report on Tuesday. A company delegation last week visited different regions in Russia, including Cherepovets, an industrial city in Vologda Oblast. The plant may be located in the citys industrial zone on a two-hectare land plot, Vologdas regional government said in its March 6 press release. The plot has a good location with excellent transportati...

JX Nippon remains committed to its investment in China, despite the protracted political rift between the governments in Beijing and Tokyo over the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands. When contacted by Lube Report in February, company spokesman Hayashi Suzuki indicated that business in China is still important to JX and to its foreign investment strategy. JX has shown no indication that it is working to reduce its footprint in China. Currently, JX sales to China amount to more than 40 percent of ...

German chemical distributor Brenntag agreed yesterday to acquire U.S. lubricant distributor Lubrication Services LLC for $42 million. The transaction is subject to closing conditions and is expected to close within the next few weeks, according to Brenntags March 12 press release. Lubrication Services has a market position, expertise and infrastructure that will allow us to further increase our participation in the expected rapid growth related to the shale plays, says Anthony Gerace, Executiv...

Arizona Chemical broke ground on a $10 million, 27,000 square foot science and technology center in Georgia that will be the new home for its U.S. research and development activities when it opens in December 2013. When complete, the new science and technology center will accommodate more than 50 scientists and support staff focused on developing bio-based solutions for Arizona Chemical customers. In addition to the new center, which will replace an existing research facility, the company has ...

Lubricant supplier Quaker Chemical reported increases in net income for 2012’s fourth quarter and the full year, compared to results for the year-earlier period. Conshohocken, Pa.-headquartered Quaker Chemical posted $13 million in net income for 2012’s fourth quarter, up 25 percent from $10.4 million in the year-earlier period. For the full year 2012, the firm’s net income reached $47.4 million, up 3.3 percent from $45.9 million for 2011. Net sales for Quaker amounted to $17...

Tu Po Lubricants Co. Ltd. began distributing San Mateo, Calif.-based Top 1 Oil Products lubricants in China early this month. Ann Oglesby was named general manager of Phillips 66 Lubricants. Intertek opened an oil condition monitoring test laboratory in Chicago. PetroChoice acquired lubricants distributor US Lubes Southern Division, including a terminal facility in Wakefield, Va.

U.S. markets continue to tighten and some freights have risen. Asian activity has started to reassert itself, while European markets are bouncing about, some routes up and others going down. U.S. Gulf of Mexico The main area of activity has been the U.S. Gulf-Far East route where sizeable cargoes of paraxylene and ethylene dichloride have been fixed. Rates have increased, and a parcel of 10,000 tons of paraxylene was fixed from the U.S. Gulf to mid-China in the mid-to-high $70s/t. In addition, ...