The Lubrizol Corporation announced last Monday the opening 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. James L. Hambrick, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Lubrizol, was in Zhuhai for the opening.

"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 Hambrick. "Our investment in the Zhuhai facility is further confirmation of our ongoing commitment to the region, to the industry and to our customers` success. This is truly an opportunity to help our customers meet their growth plans while offering in-country technical support and improved security of global supply. It is also a testament to our commitment to the community in which our employees live and work."

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.

Sheets added, "Our operations in Zhuhai will maintain the same quality, integrity and adherence to the highest global environmental standards that our customers have come to expect from Lubrizol. We have a highly trained, in-country technical, commercial, operations and supply chain team ready to assist customers` every business need."

Madam Lu Xiaofeng, director of administrative committee, Gaolan Port Economic Zone, Zhuhai, believes Lubrizol is a key strategic partner to the local government. She added, "We will continue to reinforce the strong trusting relationship and solid cooperation between us to ensure successful operations and growth, including future site expansion."

With headquarters in Wickliffe, Ohio, Lubrizol owns and operates manufacturing facilities in 17 countries, as well as sales and technical offices around the world. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol has approximately 7,000 employees worldwide. Revenues for 2012 were $6.1 billion.

In 2011, Lubrizol was purchased by Berkshire Hathaway for $9.7 billion.