The Lubrizol Corporation, a leading manufacturer of specialty chemicals, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to acquire a 120-acre plot in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. This land acquisition marks the beginning of the company’s most significant investment in India, where it plans to construct a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. The initial phase of the project will see an investment of approximately $200 million, making it the company’s largest financial commitment in India to date.
Once completed, this facility will be Lubrizol’s second-largest manufacturing unit globally and the largest in India. The construction will be carried out in phases over the next several years, allowing room for future expansions to meet the growing demands of the regional transportation and industrial fluid markets. Lubrizol’s spokesperson highlighted the company’s long-standing commitment to India, with over five decades of meaningful investments in the region. The new facility will enhance the company’s local capacity and capabilities for its Additives business and potentially support other business units in the future. This move aligns with Lubrizol’s local-for-local strategy, focusing on India-based manufacturing, in-region innovation, and continued investment in local talent.
This announcement follows a series of significant investments by Lubrizol in India. In 2023, the company committed $150 million to several projects, including the construction of the world’s largest CPVC resin plant in Vilayat, Gujarat, and the doubling of capacity at the Dahej site in Gujarat. Additionally, Lubrizol opened a grease lab in Navi Mumbai and a global capability centre in Pune to drive innovation and job growth in the region. The establishment of the Aurangabad plant underscores Lubrizol’s strategic efforts to accelerate growth and strengthen its market position in India. The facility will not only meet the increasing domestic demand but also create export opportunities to neighbouring countries and other Lubrizol sites globally. The commencement of manufacturing operations is expected to coincide with Lubrizol’s 100th anniversary in 2028, marking a significant milestone in the company’s history.
Lubrizol’s focus on a local-for-local approach demonstrates its commitment to fostering close collaboration with customers and employees while enhancing its manufacturing and innovation capabilities within the region. The new facility in Aurangabad is poised to become a cornerstone of Lubrizol’s operations, driving economic growth and development in India.
