Fuchs Lubricants on an expansion drive in India

The company has set up a state- of -the-art plant at Ambernath, on the outskirts of Mumbai. With an investment of over Rs. 400 million, Phase I of the plant is ready to go on stream. Construction of Phase II will commence soon in 2011 with an investment of Rs. 100 million.

Speaking on the occasion, Stefan Fuchs, Chairman of the Executive Board, Fuchs Petrolub AG Germany, said, "We see a huge growth potential for Fuchs Lubricants in India and as a part of our expansion plan, we have set up the Ambernath plant to cater to a wide range of sectors."

"The plant encompasses sophisticated equipment like Product Logic Control (PLC) based blending systems, Load Cells for accurate monitoring and an internationally benchmarked R&D Centre. It has the highest levels of fire and safety norms far exceeding Indian statutory requirement. The plant also has eco-friendly features like its own waste water recycling plant and stringent pollution control systems" he added.

The plant will also manufacture a wide range of eco-friendly Fuchs products, which will be marketed under Planto and Eco brand names.

The R & D Centre will initially adopt lubes to sub-continental conditions. Soon, it is likely to be upgraded to a regional hub for research and development.

The company has ambitious growth plans to triple the sales turnover to Rs. 2 billion in the next 2-3 years. For this purpose a comprehensive marketing plan has been worked out using a multi- pronged strategy of targeting both the high-end/niche marketing segments, and also general lubricants.

Also, specialty lubricants will be manufactured for OEM's and their requirements in the manufacturing process, machinery first fill, as well as products for in-use servicing.

The fast growing automotive sector offers new opportunities with German brands like Mercedes and Volkswagen doing well in India. Fuchs India intends to get well entrenched in this segment as First Fill Lubes Supplier.