Lubrizol expands with new manufacturing facility in India

The Lubrizol Corporation, a leading global specialty chemicals company, has announced plans to construct its largest manufacturing facility in India, located on a newly acquired 120-acre plot in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. This strategic move is part of a memorandum of understanding with the Maharashtra government, reflecting Lubrizol’s commitment to expanding its local manufacturing capabilities to meet growing regional demand.

The new facility represents an initial investment of approximately USD200 million, marking Lubrizol’s largest single investment in India to date. Once completed, the plant will become the company’s second-largest manufacturing facility worldwide, designed to support the burgeoning transportation and industrial fluid markets in India and beyond. The facility’s phased construction will allow for future expansion to accommodate additional market needs.

Flavio Kliger, president of Lubrizol Additives, highlighted the significance of this state-of-the-art facility in enhancing Lubrizol’s local capacity and capabilities. The project builds on Lubrizol’s longstanding presence in India, including previous investments such as the USD150 million CPVC resin plant in Gujarat, capacity expansion in Dahej, and the opening of a new grease lab in Navi Mumbai.

Bhavana Bindra, managing director of Lubrizol IMEA, emphasised the importance of a local-for-local approach, which includes India-based manufacturing, regional innovation, and investment in local talent. This strategy aims to strengthen partnerships and drive growth and innovation within the region.

The Aurangabad plant is expected to commence operations by 2028, coinciding with Lubrizol’s 100th anniversary. This facility will not only serve India’s domestic market but also enable export opportunities to neighboring countries and other Lubrizol sites globally.