Lubrizol opens additives plant in China

The Lubrizol Corporation opened its world-class additives manufacturing facility in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China on 20 August. The plant is the latest addition to Lubrizol's long-term investment and growing presence in China. It is also the cornerstone of Lubrizol's 10-year phased investment plan, launched in 2010, to upgrade operations and increase global capacity in additives. James L. Hambrick, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Lubrizol, was in Zhuhai for the opening.

"The business climate in Asia is an exciting one, particularly when it comes to the rapidly expanding automotive industry, where the demand for advanced fuels and lubricants has never been stronger," said Hambrick. "Our investment in the Zhuhai facility is further confirmation of our ongoing commitment to the region, to the industry and to our customers' success. This is truly an opportunity to help our customers meet their growth plans while offering in-country technical support and improved security of global supply. It is also a testament to our commitment to the community in which our employees live and work."

Construction on the 400,000-square-meter site began in October 2010. The plant will offer select additive component manufacturing as well as additive package blending. Over the coming years, additional capabilities and capacity will be phased in to meet market demand.

The site also includes a Zhuhai research, development and testing lab in support of Lubrizol's engine oils, driveline, industrial and fuel additive businesses, and is part of the company's global technical network of labs and experts. The lab will support field testing in local vehicles under local conditions in China, thereby generating performance data in support of Lubrizol customers.

Lubrizol Additives is a pioneering global supplier of chemical additive technologies, including additives for engine oils, driveline and other transportation-related fluids, and industrial lubricants, as well as additives for gasoline and diesel fuel. Extensively tested in the lab and in the field under real-world demands, Lubrizol additives are essential to the proven performance of the finished lubricant. Product lines include Engine Additives, Driveline Additives, Industrial Additives, Fuel Additives and Energy and Water Technologies.