Tag: Lubrizol

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Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol has announced the promotion of Keith Corkwell to President of Lubrizol Additives, bringing over 25 years of commercial and technical expertise from his career at the company. Previously serving as Vice President, Additives Americas, Corkwell has a deep understanding of the additives industry, spanning fuel additives, heavy-duty engine oils, driveline, e-mobility, and more. His leadership experience has helped guide key product teams across various market segments.

Rebecca Liebert, Lubrizol President and CEO, praised Corkwell for his customer-focused approach and ability to drive results, noting that his leadership will provide tremendous value to the company and its partners.

In addition to Corkwell’s promotion, Lubrizol has made several other key leadership changes:

• Brenna Huovie has been named Vice President, Additives Americas. With nearly 30 years of experience, Huovie will oversee the Americas region, leveraging her expertise in management, technology, and strategic initiatives.

• Mark Davies will assume the role of Vice President, Additives Technology. Davies, with over 20 years at Lubrizol, will lead global innovation efforts, focusing on regionally tailored solutions.

• Anouska Norman has been appointed Vice President, Additives Strategic Marketing and Commercial Excellence. With a wealth of global experience, Norman will drive strategic growth initiatives to enhance Lubrizol’s value to customers.

© 2024 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Lubrizol, a Berkshire Hathaway company, has partnered with Lore Cycle to develop custom 3D-printed cycling shoes that redefine comfort and performance. Using Lubrizol’s advanced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) materials and expertise in additive manufacturing through its Avid 3D Printing brand, the collaboration delivers footwear tailored to each rider’s unique foot shape.

The innovative process begins with a 3D scan of the customer’s foot, enabling the creation of personalized components that provide unmatched fit, support, and durability. Lubrizol TPU is used to craft lightweight and robust shoe uppers, ensuring durability without compromising on comfort or performance.

“This collaboration exemplifies how Lubrizol’s 3D printing technology disrupts traditional manufacturing processes, enabling onshoring and delivering unprecedented levels of personalization,” said Gert-Jan Nijhuis, General Manager of Lubrizol 3D Printing.

The Lore Two cycling shoe, Lore Cycle’s latest innovation, is a prime example of this groundbreaking technology. CEO Stephan Drake highlighted its unique features, such as a carbon shell that conforms to the sole, relieves pressure, and optimizes biomechanics.

This partnership showcases the potential of additive manufacturing to transform footwear design, blending cutting-edge technology with material science for truly customized performance gear.

© 2024 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Lubrizol, a Berkshire Hathaway company and global leader in specialty chemicals, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Polyhose, a global leader in fluid conveyance systems, to bolster innovation in India’s medical sector. The agreement was formalized in the presence of Tamil Nadu Industries Minister Dr. T.R.B. Rajaa and Industries Secretary V. Arun Roy.

The partnership aims to establish a state-of-the-art medical manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, increasing Lubrizol’s local medical tubing production by five times. This expansion will cater to domestic and international markets, producing high-quality tubing for critical neurovascular and cardiovascular applications such as balloon and minimally invasive catheters.

“This collaboration introduces precision manufacturing to India, opening new opportunities to serve critical care markets locally and globally,” said Bhavana Bindra, Lubrizol’s Managing Director for India, the Middle East, and Africa. The facility will use Lubrizol’s advanced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), known for its biocompatibility and high performance, and comply with ISO 13485 standards.

Lubrizol President and CEO Rebecca Liebert emphasized the company’s commitment to India’s growth, noting the country’s strategic role in its global operations. “This investment strengthens our local-for-local and local-for-global approach, ensuring access to world-class medical solutions,” she said.

The collaboration with Polyhose builds on a seven-year partnership and leverages Tamil Nadu’s industrial growth. Shabbir Y J, Managing Director of Polyhose, highlighted the state’s conducive environment for innovation and expansion.

The project is part of Lubrizol’s broader $350 million investment in India, which includes a Global Capability Center in Pune and major facilities in Gujarat and Aurangabad. Groundbreaking for the Tamil Nadu site is planned for 2025, with operations commencing in 2026.

© 2024 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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The Lubrizol Corporation, part of Berkshire Hathaway, has expanded its partnership with Oil Store, naming it a channel partner for Lubrizol’s refrigeration and heat transfer fluid brands across the U.K., Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. This move builds on an already successful collaboration in the U.K., aiming to meet increasing demand in new markets.

Lubrizol provides a range of premium fluid engineering brands, including CPI® industrial refrigeration products, Paratherm® heat transfer fluids, and refrigeration solutions such as Emkarate RL®, Icematic®, and Solest®. Through this partnership, Oil Store can now deliver Lubrizol’s technology and solutions across a wider geographic area, addressing specific market needs.

“Reliability is crucial to us, which is why we seek partners who share our commitment to excellence,” said O’Neil Pinto, Vice President of Lubrizol Fluid Engineering. “This collaboration with Oil Store supports our growth and customer service goals.”

Daniel Tait, managing director of Oil Store, praised the success of the initial U.K. partnership, adding, “We are thrilled to extend our services to new regions, maintaining the quality and dedication our U.K. customers have come to trust.”

© 2024 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol is expanding operations at its Avon Lake, Ohio, facility to double the production capacity of its Solsperse™ Hyperdispersants. These hyperdispersants, essential for pigment dispersant performance in coatings and inks, have been produced at the facility since 2014. This latest investment marks the next phase in Lubrizol’s continued capacity growth at Avon Lake, with plans for further expansion in 2025.

By boosting local production, Lubrizol aims to better serve its North American customers, improve supply chain efficiency, and reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. “Production in North America for North America enables faster response times and reduces transportation needs,” said Luis Carthery, Senior Director of Performance Coatings at Lubrizol.

This expansion underscores Lubrizol’s commitment to supporting the coatings market in North America. Earlier this year, the company announced a $20 million investment to expand capacity at its Gastonia, North Carolina, facility for acrylic emulsion technologies. These strategic investments reflect the company’s dedication to helping customers meet both growth and sustainability targets.

“Our investments solidify our commitment to our customers as partners in progress,” said Marco Fay, Vice President of Performance Coatings at Lubrizol. “We are helping them bring new coating innovations to life, from sustainable dispersants to high-performing additives for industrial coatings.”

© 2024 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol, a global leader in specialty chemistry, has launched its Beauty Research Institute in Shanghai, China. This new site is set to become a strategic hub for advancing in vivo beauty testing, leveraging decision science to develop next-generation beauty ingredients. It aims to foster innovation, enhance collaboration, and accelerate time-to-market for Lubrizol’s beauty and personal care customers in the region and worldwide.

The institute expands Lubrizol’s R&D and lab network in the Asia Pacific, featuring advanced clinical testing equipment and collaborative spaces modeled after the company’s renowned testing facilities in Barcelona. It offers state-of-the-art services, including claim substantiation, sensory evaluation, and consumer insight generation, along with training and education programs. By integrating artificial intelligence and computer vision, the center is poised to provide customized support to customers, driving faster and more efficient innovation.

Bernardo Medeiros, Vice President of Lubrizol Beauty, highlighted the significance of the Shanghai institute, noting China’s pivotal role as the fastest-growing beauty market. He emphasized that combining global technologies with local insights will enable Lubrizol to deliver solutions that resonate both locally and globally.

With nearly a century of innovation history, Lubrizol has a strong presence in Asia Pacific, including commercial offices, manufacturing sites, and technical centers. Henry Liu, Vice President of Lubrizol APAC, underscored China’s influence in technological advancement and stated that the new institute reinforces Lubrizol’s commitment to local innovation and talent development.

Lubrizol’s Beauty business offers a wide range of ingredients and expertise for various beauty products, continually winning industry awards for its contributions to active and functional beauty ingredients.

© 2024 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s The Lubrizol Corporation, a global leader in specialty chemicals, has announced its plan to purchase a 120-acre plot in Aurangabad, India. This new manufacturing facility will initially support the region’s growing transportation and industrial fluid markets. The first phase of this project, representing an investment of around $200 million, marks Lubrizol’s largest investment in India to date and builds on previous commitments in the region.

Upon completion, the Aurangabad plant will become Lubrizol’s second-largest manufacturing facility worldwide and its largest in India. Construction will proceed in phases over the next several years, with provisions for future expansion.

“Lubrizol has made meaningful investments in India for more than five decades,” said Flavio Kliger, President of Lubrizol Additives. “This new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will enhance our local capacity and capabilities for our Additives business, with potential support for other Lubrizol businesses and regions in the future.”

The announcement of the Aurangabad plant aligns with Lubrizol’s strategy to boost local growth and capacity. In 2023, Lubrizol announced its most significant investment in over 50 years in India, including a $150 million pledge. This investment supports the construction of the world’s largest CPVC resin plant in Vilayat, Gujarat, doubling capacity at the Dahej site, opening a grease lab in Navi Mumbai, and fostering in-country job growth and innovation. Additionally, the company opened its first Global Capability Center in Pune this year to drive regional growth and collaboration.

“Lubrizol understands the importance of a local-for-local approach, from India-based manufacturing to in-region innovation to continued investment in local talent,” said Bhavana Bindra, Managing Director, Lubrizol IMEA. “We look forward to continuing to be partners in progress to our customers and serve as a catalyst for growth and inspired breakthroughs.”

“This announcement underscores our continued commitment to our employees, partners, and customers in the region,” said Nitin Mengi, Vice President Lubrizol Additives IMEA and Chairman & Managing Director, Lubrizol India Private Limited. “The growing transportation and industrial markets in India represent a tremendous opportunity, and Lubrizol is thrilled to be a part of the bright future of these industries.”

In addition to meeting domestic demand, the Aurangabad site will enable export opportunities to surrounding countries and other Lubrizol locations. Manufacturing at the new site is expected to commence in 2028, coinciding with Lubrizol’s 100th anniversary.

© 2024 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Lubrizol, a key player in resin technology for coatings, has unveiled plans for a significant $20 million investment in its Gastonia, North Carolina plant. This strategic move aims to bolster the production of innovative acrylic emulsions, underlining the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of coating performance.

Dating back to the 1950s, Lubrizol has been at the forefront of developing and manufacturing acrylic emulsion technologies. These formulations find wide applications across various industries, including paper, textiles, and construction materials. Over the years, Lubrizol has amassed over a dozen patents in North America alone, showcasing its dedication to pioneering advancements in coating performance. From enhancing UV and chemical resistance to improving hardness and toughness, Lubrizol’s acrylic emulsions have been instrumental in driving innovation in the coatings sector.

Luis Carthery, Sr. Business Director-Americas at Lubrizol, emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation. He noted, “Our commitment to innovation and production of world-class acrylic emulsions will continue, as evident by this significant investment.” Despite the enduring success of products like Hycar® Acrylic Emulsions, which were first commercialized in the 1960s and still enjoy significant sales volumes today, Lubrizol remains focused on bringing modern resin technologies to its customers.

The investment in the Gastonia facility will encompass several key upgrades, including updated processing equipment, storage tanks, and packaging facilities. These enhancements will not only boost production capacity but also ensure that Lubrizol maintains its high standards of safety and operational efficiency. Tom Zagore, Sr. Director for Product Management, highlighted the importance of these improvements, stating, “Safety and operating efficiency are key drivers for the changes. As Lubrizol continues to drive acrylic product performance, we need to be capable of handling product complexity, system optimization, and the safe handling of materials to achieve the highest level of Responsible Care® compliance, employee safety, and operational efficiency.”

With this investment, Lubrizol reaffirms its position as a leader in resin technology, poised to meet the evolving needs of its customers while driving innovation in the coatings industry.

© 2024 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Lubrizol, a global player in specialty chemicals and a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, has recently inaugurated its new Global Capability Center (GCC) in Pune, India, signaling a strategic move to bolster its presence in the region and foster closer collaboration with customers and employees.

Situated within the Embassy Tech Zone in Hinjewadi, Pune, the Lubrizol GCC operates from a state-of-the-art facility spanning 42,000 square feet. Notably, the campus is both WELL- and LEED Gold certified, ensuring a workspace that prioritizes safety, health, and environmental sustainability. The design ethos encompasses ergonomic workspaces, wellness rooms, a cafeteria with recreational areas, and ample natural light streaming into training and huddle rooms. Moreover, the facility features a customer experience center showcasing Lubrizol’s scientific prowess, with live plant installations underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability.

With plans to expand its workforce, the GCC anticipates adding over 200 regional employees across various functions such as Engineering, Supply Chain, Technology, Finance, and HR in the coming year. The facility has the capacity to accommodate up to 300 employees in the future.

Lubrizol’s legacy in India dates back to 1966, when it commenced manufacturing chemical additives for the transportation and industrial sectors. Over the years, the company has played a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life in India and neighboring regions through innovative solutions that drive mobility, improve well-being, and enrich modern living. Currently, Lubrizol employs around 500 professionals across commercial offices, labs, and manufacturing plants in India, in addition to supporting numerous contract positions.

In a testament to its commitment to India, Lubrizol announced a significant investment exceeding $150 million in 2023. This investment encompasses the establishment of the world’s largest CPVC resin plant in Vilayat, Gujarat, doubling capacity at its Dahej site, opening a grease lab in Navi Mumbai, and fostering substantial job growth and innovation within the country.

JT Jones, Senior Vice President of High Growth Regions at Lubrizol, emphasized the importance of India as one of the company’s fastest-growing markets and a pivotal talent hub for global success and innovation. Bhavana Bindra, Managing Director for India, Middle East, and Africa, highlighted the GCC’s role as an integrated extension of Lubrizol’s global team, offering business processing and digital capabilities to drive impactful outcomes.

Abhishek Jain, India GCC Leader at Lubrizol, emphasized the significance of the Pune GCC in accessing top-tier talent to augment technological capabilities and operational excellence. This move underscores Lubrizol’s dedication to serving customers in India and worldwide through continuous innovation and customer-centric solutions.

© 2024 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Lubrizol, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, has reaffirmed its commitment to growth in India, the Middle East, and Africa (IMEA) with the appointment of Nitin Mengi as Vice President, Lubrizol Additives, IMEA, and Chairman & Managing Director, Lubrizol India Private Limited.

This strategic move aims to strengthen the company’s presence and focus on growth in the region, emphasizing collaboration with customers, suppliers, and stakeholders.

In his new role, Nitin will spearhead efforts to drive growth for Lubrizol’s Additives business, particularly in transportation and industrial markets across the IMEA region. Working closely with Bhavana Bindra, Managing Director of Lubrizol IMEA, Nitin will play a pivotal role in executing the company’s regional strategy.

Flavio Kliger, Senior Vice President and President of Lubrizol Additives, expressed confidence in the appointment, highlighting Lubrizol’s commitment to growth in IMEA and the delivery of sustainable solutions that enhance mobility and well-being. Nitin brings over two decades of experience in the gas and oils industry across various regions, including Asia Pacific, India, the Middle East, and Africa. His expertise in leading cross-functional teams positions him well to drive Lubrizol’s growth agenda in IMEA.

Nitin expressed enthusiasm about joining Lubrizol, citing the company’s industry leadership and exciting future plans. His appointment comes at a time when Lubrizol is actively expanding its operations and capabilities in the IMEA region.

Notably, the company is investing $150 million in India, including the construction of a state-of-the-art CPVC resin plant in Vilayat, set to be the world’s largest upon completion in 2025.

Additionally, Lubrizol is establishing a Global Capacity Center (GCC) in Pune, India, to support innovation in the region.

© 2024 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.