The global market for biocides in metalworking fluids was valued at $105 million in 2005, a 40 percent jump from a decade earlier, a market research firm reports. North America accounted for 40 percent of the market. Several factors are combining to raise the total market value of biocides for metalworking fluids, and lower the North American percentage, according to Research and Markets, Dublin, Ireland, which this month announced publication of a series of biocide studies, including Biocides i...

Specialty chemical maker Cognis said last week that it has opened a factory in China to make polyol ester refrigeration lubricants. The facility cost 6 million (U.S. $7.4 million) and is located in the city of Jinshan, near Shanghai. Cognis officials said the plant will help meet rising demand in China but will also export to other parts of Asia. As well as satisfying demand in the fast-growing Chinese market, the facility also enables us to supply other countries in that region, such as Korea a...

Pinnacle Oil last week announced the formation of Golden Triangle Lubricant Services, a subsidiary based in Nederland, Texas, at a former Sun Oil blending plant. Golden Triangle will focus on marine lubricants, a market that is estimated to grow as much as 4 percent annually. Pinnacle, an independent blender based in Indianapolis, Ind., set up the new company at the former Sun Oil lubricant blending plant at the Sunoco Logistics facility in Nederland, under a long-term lease from Sunoco. Harji ...

BP began construction last week of what it says will be the largest dedicated industrial lubricant blending plant in China. Located in the city of Taicang, west of Shanghai, the project has a price tag of $22 million and is designedto produce 40,000 metric tons per year. Officials said the plant will open by the end of this year and be expanded to 62,000 tons by 2010. BP said the plant will boost its supply position and give it more flexibility to serve customers in China. Currently its busines...

Home improvement retailer Home Depot confirmed this week that it is testing the sale of automotive products, including motor oils, in 10 stores in the Jacksonville, Fla., area. Pennzoil and Quaker State are among the brands offered in the pilot program. The Atlanta-based chain said it is testing the sale of automotive aftermarket products in response to the continued growth in the pickup truck and automotive accessories markets. Ten Home Depot stores in Jacksonville, Orange Park, Palatka and St...