Uniqema has purchased BPs line of Icematic polyol ester and alkyl benzene refrigeration lubricants, the companies announced last week. Uniqema officials said the acquisition will complement its existing business, which sells compressor and refrigeration oils made from oleochemicals. The Icematic line was part of the Castrol family of BPs industrial lubricants business. BP said it made the sale as part of an effort to focus on markets where it has competitive advantages. The British energy giant ...

Lubrication systems giant Graco Inc. has purchased Lubriquip Inc. from IDEX Corp., the companies announced yesterday. Terms of the sale were not disclosed, but IDEX said it expects to report after-tax gain on the sale of about $16 to $17 million. Lubriquip, based in Warrensville Heights, Ohio, will become part of Gracos Lubrication Equipment Division. Lubriquip, whose 2005 revenues were approximately $30 million, manufactures and markets centralized and automated oil and grease lubrication syste...

First-quarter lubricant sales volumes in the United States rose 2.2 percent compared to the same period of 2005, according to the latest figures from the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association. The Quarterly Index of Lubricant Sales, released Monday, showed increased demand for automotive lubes, greases and process oils. Grease sales took the largest proportionate jump, with first-quarter demand rising 16.8 percent from the first three months of 2005. Sales of process oils increased 7.8...

Chemtool Inc. announced last week that it has installed the worlds largest grease kettle – a reactor with capacity of 130,000 pounds. But the Chicago-area company adds that it has only begun to make big batches. Officials said they plan to build a new plant with 10 more of the mammoth kettles. Its all part of a strategy to capture half of North Americas grease market. The first of the new reactors is located at Chemtools plant in Crystal Lake, Ill. Chemtool officials said they believe it t...

Asias lubricant industry received a bit of relief this spring for its chronic base oil shortage, as one refiner completed an expansion and another opened a small facility. More help is on the way, though – lots more. Twelve projects are scheduled to be completed in Asia and along the Pacific Rim within the next five years, with a whopping 115,000 barrels per day of combined capacity. Even if some of those plans fail to reach fruition, it ought to be enough to encourage the regions thirsty ...