Lubrizol opens Zhuhai additives plant

Wickliffe, Ohio-based Lubrizol Corporation announced the opening today of a world-class additives manufacturing facility in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China. The plant is the latest addition to Lubrizol’s long-term investment and growing presence in China. It is also the cornerstone of Lubrizol’s 10-year phased investment plan, launched in 2010, to upgrade operations and increase global capacity in additives.
“The business climate in Asia is an exciting one, particularly when it comes to the rapidly expanding automotive industry, where the demand for advanced fuels and lubricants has never been stronger,” said James L. Hambrick, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Lubrizol, who was in Zhuhai for the opening.
Construction on the 400,000-square-meter site began in October 2010. The plant will offer select additive component manufacturing as well as additive package blending. Over the coming years, additional capabilities and capacity will be phased in to meet market demand.
“By phasing in select capacity additions in China, we aim to respond to lubricant growth in Asia and to better match our manufacturing footprint with global demand patterns,” said Dan Sheets, president, Lubrizol Additives, who accompanied Hambrick in Zhuhai. “We believe that a local presence strengthens our ability to partner with our customers to meet their demand by providing shorter lead times while strengthening business continuity plans.”
The site also includes a Zhuhai research, development and testing lab in support of Lubrizol’s engine oils, driveline, industrial and fuel additive businesses, and is part of the company’s global technical network of labs and experts. The lab will support field testing in local vehicles under local conditions in China, thereby generating performance data in support of Lubrizol customers.