Hill to boost lube production by 400%

Khazakstan-based lubricant producer, Hill Industrial Liquids Corp. will increase lubricant output by 400% in 2011, according to Managing Director Dauren Shadikul. Hill’s lube blending plant in Shymkent, the administrative center of the South-Kazakhstan region, which became operational in June 2010, currently produces 5,000 tons per year. “We will be gradually increasing the production to reach the design capacity of the plant and will produce about 30,000 tons next year,” Shadikul said. Currently, the plant produces more than 100 types of lubricants that are marketed under the brand names of Fastroil and Hill. Lubricant demand in Khazakstan is estimated at 170,000 tons. The company hopes to increase its market share to 15-20% in 2011.The company also intends to enter the Chinese market next year. “It has taken us long to go through the registration process and next year we are going to export there about 10,000 tons,” said Shadikul. (November 22, 2010)