The Lubrizol Corporation announced last week it has invested $20 million in its blending plant operations in Le Havre, France, the company’s main lubricant additives manufacturing site in Europe. The investment is aimed at helping Lubrizol to stay ahead of market needs as demand for low SAPS and high-tier engine-oil formulations are projected to increase requirements and complexity into the future.

"Ensuring supply reliability for our customers as the engine-oil market increases in complexity and requirements continue to grow over the next few years is one of our top priorities," said Frédéric Henry, Lubrizol manufacturing director EMEA. "By expanding our capabilities and capacity in Le Havre, we'll be able to offer our customers five additional products, enhanced formulation and testing, and a point of differentiation in the competitive marketplace."

Lubrizol's Le Havre expansion will include the addition of component tanks, finished product tanks and automated manifolds, among other upgrades that will enhance safety and efficiency. The expansion will also provide greater flexibility of supply and better service to its customers, allowing the company to manage new, higher-complexity formulations.

"We are in a unique position to be nimble and highly responsive to the needs of our customers," Henry said. "The Le Havre plant expansion is a great example of our commitment to our customers."