Gulf Oil shortlists locations for second lube blending plant in India

Gulf Oil International, a Hinduja group company, said it has shortlisted a few locations for its second manufacturing plant in South India. The company, which has nearly a 7% market share in India, said the facility will be set up at a cost of Rs150 crore (US$27.9 million). Gulf Oil International Chairman Sanjay Hinduja said the new blending plant will require 30 to 40 acres and will have a capacity of 75,000 tons per annum. The company said it is targeting to be among the top three lubricant brands in India with the new facility. The company, which recently signed up Indian cricket captain M.S. Dhoni as brand ambassador, aims to boost its market position from number six to one of the top three lubricant brands in three years. Hinduja said it plans to double its ad spending to achieve this. (May 2, 2012)