ExxonMobil today laid the foundation stone of its new lubricant-manufacturing plant in Raigad, Maharashtra, in the presence of Dave Hergenrether, VP, Finished Lubricants, ExxonMobil Product Solutions Company (a division of Exxon Mobil Corporation); Monte Dobson, Lead Country Manager for ExxonMobil affiliates in India; and Vipin Rana, CEO, ExxonMobil Lubricants Pvt Ltd. The investment is aimed at localized manufacturing of high-performance lubricants, which will cater to the growing demand from India’s industrial and automotive sectors.
The plant, with an investment outlay of INR 900 crore (US$110 million), will be built in Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation’s Isambe Industrial Area in Raigad. Once operational, it will have the capacity to potentially manufacture 159,000 kiloliters of finished lubricants annually.
Expecting to create over 1,200 new jobs during the construction phase, the plant will also support the local economy by creating a vibrant manufacturing ecosystem that will potentially benefit several ancillary sectors. In a significant boost to “Make in India,” a large part of the base stocks, additives, and all packaging will be sourced from local business when the plant begins production.
“This sizeable investment in India’s domestic manufacturing of lubricants will further cement our reputation as a trusted provider of high-quality products designed for the Indian market. We understand the aspirations of our customers and tailor our products to meet their specifications. With the new facility, we can further optimize our supply chain and meet the growing demand seamlessly,” said Vipin Rana.
A global leader in lubrication technology, ExxonMobil’s extensive range of Mobil™ branded engine oils, greases and lubricants has been advancing energy efficiency, productivity, and sustainability for India’s automotive and industrial sectors for decades. The company is also a major supplier of liquefied natural gas to India and its chemical products are widely used in Indian manufacturing.