Tag: Lubrizol

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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.

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Lubrizol, a global player in specialty chemicals and a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, has set its sights on doubling its revenue from the lucrative Indian market by 2029.

Currently, India contributes ten percent to the company’s global revenues, a figure set to skyrocket with strategic investments and expansion plans underway.

To fuel this ambitious growth trajectory, Lubrizol is injecting a substantial $150 million into its operations in India. One of the pivotal moves includes the construction of a cutting-edge CPVC resin plant in Vilayat, slated to claim the title of the world’s largest upon its completion in 2025. This state-of-the-art facility is poised to significantly bolster Lubrizol’s production capacity and meet the burgeoning demand for specialty chemicals in India and beyond.

Moreover, Lubrizol is establishing a Global Capacity Center (GCC) in Pune, India, aimed at fostering innovation and enhancing operational efficiency in the region. This strategic initiative not only underscores the company’s commitment to driving technological advancements but also positions India as a vital hub in Lubrizol’s global network.

In addition to infrastructure development, Lubrizol is ramping up its manpower, anticipating the creation of approximately 4,000 direct and indirect jobs through its new investments. This move not only bolsters employment opportunities but also underscores Lubrizol’s role as a catalyst for economic growth and development in the Indian market.

Furthermore, recognizing the burgeoning demand for CPVC compounds, Lubrizol has doubled its compound capacity at its Dahej, Gujarat, facility. This expansion reinforces Lubrizol’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers in India, further solidifying its position as a trusted partner in the specialty chemicals sector.

© 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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Bhavana Bindra has been appointed as the Managing Director for India, Middle East & Africa (IMEA) at The Lubrizol Corporation, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. This newly created role reflects Lubrizol’s dedication to achieving ambitious growth targets and sustaining its presence in the region.

With more than twenty years of experience in the manufacturing industry, including roles at esteemed companies like REHAU and Cummins India, Bhavana brings a wealth of leadership and industry expertise to her new position. Her appointment signals Lubrizol’s strategic intent to leverage her skills to drive growth across the IMEA region.

In her role as Managing Director, Bhavana will lead Lubrizol’s IMEA team in delivering regional growth opportunities for both the company and its customers, utilizing a local-for-local approach. Collaborating closely with Lubrizol’s leadership, Bhavana will focus on identifying localized market opportunities and strengthening relationships with customers, suppliers, and stakeholders in the region. Additionally, she will oversee the operations of Lubrizol’s new Global Capability Center in Pune, India, which will serve as a key regional hub enhancing the company’s capabilities for further growth.

JT Jones, Senior Vice President of High Growth Regions at Lubrizol, expressed excitement about the appointment, emphasizing Lubrizol’s commitment to supporting customers and partners in the India, Middle East, and Africa regions. He highlighted the exceptional talent present across the region and affirmed Lubrizol’s plans to expand its team and footprint to better serve local markets.

This appointment aligns with Lubrizol’s broader commitment to the region, including a substantial $150 million investment in India aimed at accelerating growth. Notably, this investment encompasses the construction of a cutting-edge CPVC resin plant in Vilayat, India, slated to become the world’s largest CPVC resin plant upon its completion in 2025.

© 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-owned The Lubrizol Corporation and BASF Corporation have inked a significant licensing agreement for the production and distribution of select EMGARD® and Plurasafe® industrial lubricant products. Effective April 1, 2024, these licensed products will be seamlessly integrated into Lubrizol’s CPI Fluid Engineering brand.

The agreement encompasses a range of BASF products, including EMGARD 2946; EMGARD CL 4046, 4068; EMGARD EP WG 680; EMGARD HT CL 5220, 5320; Plurasafe CL 6032, 6046, 6068; Plurasafe P 44; and Plurasafe WGF 200 E. This collaboration marks a strategic move for both companies to better cater to specific customer requirements in the industrial lubricant market.

Brian Lieberman, Vice President of Fuel and Lubricant Solutions at BASF, expressed confidence in partnering with Lubrizol, citing the company’s expertise and ability to address niche customer needs. Meanwhile, Michael Brubaker, Vice President of Lubrizol Fluid Engineering, emphasized the agreement’s significance in bolstering Lubrizol’s extensive portfolio of Industrial Lubricants, further underscoring the company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

With Lubrizol boasting over 95 years of experience in researching, developing, and manufacturing specialty high-performance lubricants and BASF’s global presence, the collaboration is poised to deliver enhanced solutions to industrial lubricant customers worldwide.

BASF has taken proactive measures to ensure a smooth transition for affected customers, providing ordering and delivery details for related products. This seamless integration underscores the commitment of both organizations to prioritize customer satisfaction and market leadership in the industrial lubricant sector.

© 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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In a significant stride towards sustainability, Lubrizol Advanced Materials proudly announces that three additional sites within Lubrizol Engineered Polymers have secured the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS certification. This achievement, obtained at the close of the previous year, underscores Lubrizol’s commitment to environmentally responsible practices.

ISCC PLUS is an esteemed international sustainability certification designed for industrial applications. It sets the standard for fully traceable and sustainable supply chains, enabling companies to monitor and attribute environmentally friendly raw materials throughout the entire value chain. This is accomplished through transparent record-keeping, all without altering the production process.

The three sites that have attained this third-party qualification are Lubrizol Advanced Materials’ headquarters in Brecksville, along with the production plants in Avon Lake, Ohio, U.S., and Oevel, Belgium. This accomplishment follows the ISCC PLUS certification received by Lubrizol’s facility in Songjiang, China, last year. These certifications align with Lubrizol’s dedication to sustainability and the expansion of its ESTANE® TPU sustainable solutions, applicable in various industries such as footwear, electronics, and industrial applications.

Dr. Jesús Santamaria, Global Sustainability Business Director for Lubrizol Engineered Polymers, highlighted the impact of ISCC PLUS on their products, stating, “ISCC PLUS enables a fully transparent biomass balance approach and leads to the decrease of the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) of our final product. This builds up on the launch of our ESTANE RNW TPU solutions which reduces the PCF with the existing equipment used by our customers, without any change in the production process or final material properties.”

Elizabeth Grove, Chief Sustainable Officer at The Lubrizol Corporation, emphasized the strategic importance of ISCC PLUS certification, stating, “Obtaining ISCC PLUS certification is an important step in ensuring that Lubrizol has a single, consistent, corporate-wide process across our organization to track materials. As we increase our use of bio-based and renewable materials, Lubrizol’s customers are provided even more confidence in our ability to credibly trace these materials through our manufacturing process.”

By adopting the mass balance approach and incorporating the ISCC PLUS external verification system, Lubrizol aims to expand the use of alternative feedstocks. This move supports the acceleration of Lubrizol’s global sustainability journey, demonstrating a commitment to collaborating with partners and building alliances to develop solutions that have positive impacts on the environment and society, outweighing the footprint it takes to produce them.

© 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