LLC Neft-Aktiv, subsidiary of Russian state-controlled oil and gas company Rosneft, has acquired base oil plants in Angarsk and Novokuibyshev, Russia,through bankruptcy auctions of the assets of oil refiner Yukos Oil Co. Neft-Aktiv acquired 100 percent stakes in the Novokuibyshev Oils and Additives Plant, and in Angarsk Petrochemical Co. The Novokuibyshev acquisition came through a 175.7 billion ruble (U.S. $6.8 billion) bid for 37 different enterprises among Yukos assets on May 3. The Angarsk a...

Angus Chemical Co., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Co., has announced plans to build a $10 million research and development manufacturing plant in Sterlington, La. to assist in scale-up and validation of next-generation nitroalkane-based products. Both Angus and Dow Biocides make biocides used in metalworking fluids and other applications. Angus expects to break ground in 2008 and begin product validation in 2010. Through the validation process, the company learns how products wil...

Diversified container maker Greif Inc. recently opened its sixth large-steel-drum plant in Angarsk, Russia,nearthe 4,900 barrels-per-day Group I base oil plant owned by Neft-Aktiv, a subsidiary of Moscow-based oil and gas company Rosneft. Just being close to customers is what we strive to do, Greif Communications Director Deb Strohmaier told Lube Report. Transportation costs sometimes are not economical, and its much easier for the customer to have the plant nearby. Greif projects that the plant...

Chemical companies Albemarle Corp. and Kraton Polymers recently opened new offices in Dubai and Shanghai, respectively, in response to growing markets in the Middle East and Asia. Specialty chemicals maker Albemarle has opened a new regional sales office in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, to meet growing market needs in India and the Middle East. Richmond, Va.-based Albemarle manufactures and sells lube and fuel antioxidants under the Ethanox brand name. According to Albemarle, the demand for...