On July 30, 2024, The Lubrizol Corporation, a global leader in specialty chemicals, announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to purchase a 120-acre site in Aurangabad, India. The company plans to build a new manufacturing facility on the site to support the region's expanding transportation and industrial fluid markets. The initial phase of this project involves a projected investment of approximately $200 million, marking Lubrizol's largest investment in India to date, and expanding on its previous commitments in the region.

Upon completion, the plant will be Lubrizol's second-largest manufacturing facility worldwide and its largest in India. The construction will occur in phases over the coming years, with provisions for future expansion.

“Lubrizol has been investing significantly in India for over fifty years,” said Flavio Kliger, President of Lubrizol Additives. “This new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will bolster our local capacity and capabilities for the Additives business, with the potential to support additional Lubrizol businesses and regions in the future.”

The announcement of the Aurangabad plant highlights the company's continued efforts to drive growth and boost its local capacity in the region. In 2023, Lubrizol made its largest investment in over fifty years, committing USD 150 million. This investment supports the development of the world's largest CPVC resin plant in Vilayat, Gujarat, the expansion of capacity at Lubrizol’s Dahej site, the establishment of a grease lab in Navi Mumbai, and additional job creation and innovation within the country. Additionally, this year, the company launched its first Global Capability Center in Pune to serve as a strategic hub for accelerating growth and fostering closer collaboration with customers and employees.

“Lubrizol recognizes the value of a local-for-local strategy, encompassing manufacturing within India, regional innovation, and ongoing investment in local talent,” says Bhavana Bindra, Managing Director of Lubrizol IMEA (India, Middle East, and Africa). “We are excited to continue partnering with our customers and act as a catalyst for growth and innovative advancements.”

“This announcement highlights our ongoing commitment to our employees, partners, and customers in the region,” said Nitin Mengi, Vice President of Lubrizol Additives IMEA and Chairman & Managing Director of Lubrizol India Private Limited. “The expanding transportation and industrial markets in India present a significant opportunity, and Lubrizol is excited to contribute to the promising future of these industries.”

In addition to meeting domestic demand in India, this site will also facilitate export opportunities to neighboring countries and other Lubrizol locations. Manufacturing operations at the site are anticipated to start in time for Lubrizol’s 100th anniversary in 2028.