Lubrizol Corp. has introduced an online learning site aimed at helping sales people do a better job of peddling lubricants. Named K2M, the program tries to speak to the hearts of sales people, by showing them how being more knowledgeable can help them close more deals. Lubrizol hopes that it will also become a significant source of income. Teaching about lubrication is nothing new for Lubrizol. The company, the worlds biggest supplier of lubricant additive packages,for well over a decade has pro...

Crompton Corp. said last week that it has increased antioxidant capacity at its Elmira, Ontario, plant for the third time in less than two years. The company said it took the action to meet demand growth triggered by the latest upgrade for passenger car motor oils. The expansion affects alkylated diphenylamine antioxidants marketed under the Naugalube brand name. Crompton, which is based in Middlebury, Conn., did not disclose the cost of the project or the plants capacity. Officials attributed t...

Shareholders of Ethyl Corp. last week approved a restructuring plan that calls for the companys Petroleum Additives business to be renamed Afton Chemical Corp. By July 1, Afton will become one of two subsidiaries belonging to a new holding company, NewMarket Corp. Ethyl, which is based in Richmond, Va., has two main businesses: Petroleum Additives; and its tetraethyl lead operations, which will retain the Ethyl name. The companys board of directors proposed creation of a holding company in March...

Lubrizol Corp. disclosed yesterday that President and Chief Executive Officer James L. Hambrick has been diagnosed with testicular cancer and was to begin yesterday to undergo treatment. The company added that Hambrick has excellent odds of recovery and is expected to maintain his day-to-day activities with Lubrizol. I have elected to pursue a well proven chemotherapy program, and I am extremely confident in my outlook, the 49-year-old said in a news release. My physicians have advised me to exp...