Chevron adds second Group II base oil hub in Africa
Chevron Products Company, a division of Chevron U.S.A Inc., said it has signed a base oil distribution agreement with Société Afriquia Lubrifiants (SALUB), a subsidiary of the AKWA Group headquartered in Casablanca, Morocco. In addition to servicing Morocco, SALUB will also supply Chevron’s premium base oils and process oils to Northern and Western Africa. Initially, SALUB will inventory Chevron Neutral Oil 100R, 220R and 600R at AKWA’s Mohammedia Terminal, which is strategically located for many lubricant blenders.
In-region availability of Chevron Group II base oils will give lubricant formulators an efficient path for optimizing formulations that meet tightening ACEA, API and OEM specifications, as well as the opportunity to blend industrial lubricants with longer oil life and lower additive treat rates.
SALUB was chosen as Chevron’s Group II base oil distributor because of their depth of market experience backed by a full range of logistical and technical support services. By adding Chevron Group II to their base oil supply network, SALUB will be able to help customers navigate the changing needs of the lubricants market while reducing supply chain complexity.
Since its founding in 1974, SALUB has distinguished itself in the region by offering a broad portfolio of manufacturing services and products for the lubricants industry. It is currently one of the largest importers and marketers of base oils in Morocco. SALUB’s base oil sales network is backed by extensive customer support including blending, packaging, storage, quality control, logistics and in-region technical support. They also operate a grease production unit. SALUB has earned ISO 9001 v 2015 certification and ISO CEI 17025 V 2005 accreditation for their quality control laboratory services.
“SALUB’s breadth of service, in region support structure and commitment to operational excellence make them an ideal distributor for us in meeting the needs of the region’s lubricant marketers. Of particular importance is its strong import, supply chain, and bulk storage capabilities as well as its technical expertise.” said Tracey Gardiner, Vice President, Chevron Base Oils. “They understand the market’s needs, and, with our Group II base oils in tank, SALUB can help customers optimize formulations, while shortening their supply chain. With regular, reliable delivery, customers can minimize their base oil inventory while blending higher performing lubricants.”
“We are very excited to represent Chevron premium Group II base oils. With it we can offer lubricant blenders the opportunity to upgrade their current portfolio of lubricant products,” said Abdelkrim Hachad, general manager. “We are committed to working with customers to help them understand the benefits of adding Group II to their supply chain and how to optimize formulating strategies as they transition through the maze of changing specifications.”
Chevron’s growing Group II presence in Africa will enhance formulating flexibility for the region’s marketers of premium lubricants. “Chevron’s extensive qualifications portfolio coupled with SALUB’s in-region technical support can help formulators seamlessly integrate Group II base oils into their supply chain, ” said Adil Ziady, chairman of AKWA Group.
This is Chevron’s second Group II supply hub in Africa and its 16th hub globally. With three plants producing base oils with the same performance properties, Chevron’s global slate enhances supply reliability around the world.
The AKWA Group, headquartered in Casablanca, is a USD3 billion business conglomerate and the first energy company in Morocco. AKWA is primarily engaged in the oil and gas industry, but operates also in the telecommunication, tourism, hotels and real estate sectors. With a presence in several market segments, AKWA Group is organized to operate through its five main operating divisions: Fuels and Lubricants; Gas; Fluids; Development; Real Estate. It operates throughout the country with a broad commercial and logistics structure, distribution centers and large bulk fuels, fluids, LPG and growing base oil storage infrastructure.
