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January 2, 2013

               

   

JobbersWorld    

The Year in Review - 2012

 

Featuring some of the most important events of the year impacting lubricant supply and distribution. Including mergers and acquisitions, pricing, trends, products, people, and more.

        
      

 MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS    

 

Ridgemont Equity Partners Acquires J.A.M. Distributing Company

December 19, 2012 - Ridgemont Equity Partners, a middle market buyout and growth equity investor, announced the closing of a majority equity investment in J.A.M. Distributing Company, a leading distributor of lubricants, fuel, base stock and ancillary products. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. J.A.M. is headquartered at its main terminal in Houston, Texas, with additional terminal operations in Dallas, Beaumont, Lufkin, Clute and Galveston. For over forty years, the Company has been a leading lubricant distributor of ExxonMobil products and today serves the industrial, commercial vehicle, passenger vehicle and marine end markets.  Click for more.

 

PetroChoice Acquires US Lubes LLC

December 17, 2012 - PetroChoice announces the acquisition of the New Jersey Division of US Lubes, adding depth to its Mid-Atlantic distribution efforts. US Lubes and its predecessors, located in Blue Bell, PA, have been committed to distributing lubricants to the Automotive, Commercial and Industrial segments for over 80 years. Key brands include CAM2, Gulf, Petro-Canada, and Old World Industries products. Click for More

 

PetroChoice Announces the Acquisition of Craft Oil Corporation 

December 3, 2012 - In recent years, PetroChoice has been expanding its distribution efforts throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. Adding depth to its distribution, PetroChoice has acquired Craft Oil Corporation.  "We have great respect for Craft Oil," said Shane O'Kelly, CEO of PetroChoice. "We have much in common and each company brings unique talents and expertise to the combined organization. Together we will have unsurpassed capabilities and infrastructure to fulfill the specialized needs of lubricant customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region." Click for More

 

The Deal is Done! WCP and Metalmark Complete Recapitalization of Maxum Petroleum with Pilot Flying J 

September 5, 2012 -

Pilot Flying J, Waud Capital Partners, Metalmark Capital and Maxum Petroleum announced that Pilot Flying J completed its previously announced acquisition of a controlling interest in Maxum for cash and Pilot Flying J's contribution of Western Petroleum into Maxum. Current investors, including WCP, Metalmark and Maxum management, received cash proceeds in the transaction and made a meaningful re-investment in the new venture. Click for more  

 

 

Twinco Merges with DYK Automotive

August 31, 2012 - Minneapolis-based private equity firm ShoreView Industries agreed to merge portfolio company Twinco Romax LLC, a manufacturer of automotive aftermarket parts and chemicals, with DYK Automotive LLC. Twinco Romax LLC and DYK Automotive, LLC, the parent company of AP Auto and Keltner Enterprises, have announced a definitive merger agreement. The merger, which combines two of the strongest organizations in the industry, creates a new national automotive aftermarket distribution and manufacturing company with a commitment to maintain its strong regional presence. Click for more

 

Total Energy, LLC Acquires Ocean State Oil

August 3, 2012 - Total Energy, LLC (Part of the Santoro family of Companies) acquired the assets of Ocean State Oil, a leading lubricant marketer in Southern New England on August 1st 2012. This is a particularly significant and interesting acquisition, in part, due to the size and geographic reach of the aggregate companies. Established in 1973, Ocean State Oil is one of the leading marketers of lubricants in the Southern New England region. Click for more 

   

Pilot Flying J to Acquire Maxum Petroleum

July 20, 2012 - Pilot Flying J, Metalmark Capital and Maxum Petroleum announced that Pilot Flying J will acquire a controlling interest in Maxum for cash and Pilot Flying J's contribution of Western Petroleum into Maxum. Current investors, including Maxum management, Metalmark and Waud, will re-invest in the new venture. Maxum is one of the largest independent energy logistics companies in North America, selling and distributing over 1.3 billion gallons of refined petroleum products and serving over 15,000 customers. Click for more

   

Calumet Signs Agreement to Acquire Royal Purple

June 11, 2012 - Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P. ("Calumet") announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Royal Purple, Inc. for total consideration of approximately $335 million, The Royal Purple Acquisition is expected to close by the middle of July 2012, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval. Royal Purple is a manufacturer of high performance lubricants primarily for automotive, industrial, marine, motorcycle and racing applications. Click for more

 

PetroChoice Completes the Acquisition of Suburban Oil Company

June 4, 2012 - PetroChoice announced it has acquired Suburban Oil Company located in Mason, Ohio. PetroChoice is focused on acquiring best-in-class lubricant distributors to expand both its product and service offering to customers and its geographic footprint. "Suburban is a great fit with PetroChoice and we are impressed by Suburban's highly trained team. Like us, they pride themselves on delivering comprehensive lubrication solutions to their customers," said Shane O'Kelly, CEO of PetroChoice. "This acquisition creates a significant opportunity for us to expand our distribution presence into Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky." Click for more

 

 

Energy Transfer Partners to Acquire Sunoco in $5.3 Billion Transaction 

April 30, 2012 - Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. and Sunoco, Inc. announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement whereby ETP will acquire Sunoco in a unit and cash transaction valued at $50.13 per share, or a total consideration of approximately $5.3 billion, based on ETP's closing price on April 27, 2012. This combination will create one of the largest and most diversified energy partnerships in the country by expanding ETP's geographic footprint and strengthening its presence in the transportation, terminalling and logistics of crude oil, NGLs and refined products.

 

PetroChoice Completes the Acquisition of Lorenz Lubricant Company

April 30, 2012 - PetroChoice announced it has acquired the assets of Lorenz Lubricant Company, Inc. "Lorenz brings a group of very talented people with deep expertise to PetroChoice," said Steve King, President of PetroChoice- Midwest Division. "We believe the partnership between PetroChoice and Lorenz, along with our recent acquisition of Rapids Hydraulics, will be very complementary given both companies' focus on providing unmatched service and reliability and we are excited about the growth opportunities for the combined businesses. We are also looking forward to increasing our presence in the expanded geographic footprint that Lorenz will provide." Click for more

 

NOCO Energy Corporation Expands Operations into Pennsylvania and West Virginia

March 13, 2012 - NOCO Distribution, LLC, a wholly owned business unit of NOCO Inc., announced today that it has acquired three lubricant distribution warehouses, located in Youngwood, Erie, and Ridgeway, Pennsylvania from Windward Petroleum, Inc.  Customers in Western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia are served from the facilities.  All former Windward employees have joined the NOCO Distribution team. This acquisition is strategically important to NOCO as our lubricant distribution footprint now extends from Ottawa, Ontario in the North, Pittsburgh in the South, Buffalo in the West, and Vermont in the East. Click for more

 

Sun Coast Resources Inc. Acquires The Branded Fuel and Lubricant Distribution Business of Ada Resources, Inc.

March 13, 2012 - Sun Coast Resources, Inc. announced the completion of an acquisition in Houston, Texas to further expand its branded and unbranded fuel and lubricant distribution business. ADA supplies and delivers branded ConocoPhillips and CITGO fuels to independently owned convenience stores in Harris County. In addition ADA supplies ConocoPhillips; BP, 76 and Castrol branded lubricants to municipalities and commercial end users, and operates a fleet of fuel and lubricant transportation trucks from Old Ocean and Houston, Texas. ADA employs nearly 50 experienced and dedicated fuel and lubricant personnel who have joined Sun Coast to continue to operate the acquired assets and business from both the Old Ocean and Sun Coast facilities in Houston. Click for more 

 

Keller-Heartt Oil Acquires Long Time Competitor Lou-Bob Corp. 

Feb 29, 2012 - Keller-Heartt Oil, a full-service Shell Oil alliance lubricants distributor serving the automotive, industrial and trucking industries announced the acquisition of Lou-Bob Corporation, a Chicago-based oil company founded in 1924. Click for more 

  

 

Pilot Flying J to Acquire Western Petroleum 

Feb 29, 2012 - Pilot Flying J announced that Western Petroleum LLC (formally Western Petroleum, Inc.) has agreed to be acquired by Pilot Flying J. For the few who may not be familiar with Pilot Flying J, the company is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, and is one of the nation's largest wholesale fuel providers; delivering over 500 million gallons of fuel to thousands of customers in 47 states and eight Canadian provinces. They operate over 550 retail locations across North America and the company is the largest operator of travel centers and travel plazas in North America. Click for more

 

 

Craft Oil Acquires Neslo Petroleum

Feb 21, 2012 - Craft Oil Corp., a privately held oil lubricant and equipment distributor based in Avoca, PA, announced the acquisition of Neslo Petroleum Products, Inc. in Fords, NJ. The acquisition will mean the relocation of the current Craft Oil operation in New Jersey to the current Neslo facilities in Fords, NJ. Click for more  

 

 

Greenbriar Acquires PetroChoice

Jan 17, 2012 - Greenbriar Equity Group LLC today announced the acquisition of PetroChoice. PetroChoice is a leading, value-added distributor of petroleum lubricant solutions. Greenbriar acquired the Company from KRG Capital Partners.  Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.  Click for more

 

PRICING
 

Is the Spread Dancing to the Beat of a Different Drummer?

December 14, 2012 - As of today, the spread between Brent Crude and 100N Group II base stock is just under $1.25 a gallon. This is a significant decline from an average of $1.87 seen from the start of the year to the most recent round of base stock price decreases announced in mid-November.   Interestingly, these price decreases occurred during a period where the price of crude oil has been relatively stable.  As noted in previous issues of JobbersWorld, this suggests that base oil prices are reacting more to the supply and demand balances of base oil (supply being long) than they are to current crude oil prices.  And with base oil demand in the US and Europe at best soft, Chevron's Pascagoula plant gearing up, new re-refiners come on line, and GTL becoming a reality, you can bet we are looking at some interesting times ahead. Click for More

 

 

Add BP/Castrol to the List of Lubricant Suppliers Announcing Price Decreases.

November 29, 2012 -  BP/Castrol marketers in the US got the word yesterday that BP will reduce list prices on selected Consumer and Commercial Automotive lubricants and ancillary products effective January 14, 2013. The price decreases will range from $0.12 to $0.24 a gallon.  Click for More

 

The Details of Decreases

November 19, 2012 - In less than a week after the announced price decreases on base oils, two majors announced price decreases on finished lubricants. A third major does the same. The first was Phillips66 on November 9, 2012, Phillips66 announced that effective November 12, 2012 it will decrease prices for most finished lubricants by $0.30 a gallon, and $0.02 a pound on grease. Products exempt from this decrease include certain fully synthetic HDEO, ATF, gear oils and industrial lubricants, as well as private label products. This was followed by an announcement by Chevron of a general posted price decrease for its lubricants, gear oils and greases by up to 4% for most SKU's. The effective date of this decrease is December 10, 2012. It should be noted that commercial and Industrial synthetic products, coolants and fuel additives are excluded from the decrease. These decreases are followed by CITGO announcing it will implement a finished lubricant price decrease for marketers in the CITGO, MileMaster and Mystik brands. This decrease, which takes effect December 16, will average $0.30 a gallon on lubricants and $0.02 a pound on grease. This decrease, however, does not include CLARION white oils, water glycol products and process oils. In addition to the majors, Amalie announced that with the exception of its Greased Lightning branded automotive chemicals, Amalie Oil Company will reduce the price for all its oils and chemicals, that are shipped on or after November 26, 2012, by $0.32 per gallon. In addition, it will reduce grease prices by $0.04 a pound. Click for More

 

 

Prices on the Move ... down

November 13, 2012 - First Base Oil... On November 7th, Motiva announced a base oil price decrease of 25 to 38 cents a gallon, depending on grade. Then on November 8, Chevron announced a price decrease ranging from 25 to 38 cents a gallon for its base oils. On the same day, Phillips announced its base oil prices would decrease from 25 to 48 cents a gallon. Following right on the heels of these price decreases, Flint Hills announced on November 9th that it too is decreasing its base oil prices by 23 to 40 cents a gallon, again depending on grade. But if we focus on the work horse grades, these decreases amount to close to 40 cents a gallon. Next up: Finished Lubricants... Although rare, whereas we have seen announced price decreases on base oils in the past, market dynamics around last week's decreases have some scratching their heads. This is because in less than a week after the announced price decreases on base oils, two majors announced price decreases on finished lubricants. Click for More

 

The Price Spreads are Speaking

September 5, 2012 - With the price of crude moving up while the price of base oil was trending down and is now flat, it's clear the spread between the two has increased. Traditionally, this means something has got to give. And if history repeats itself, unless the trajectory of crude prices soon changes course, it's likely the spread will compress as a result of increases in base oil prices.  And when and if that happens, it's not long before the price of finished lubes follows. Click for more  

    

Lubricant Prices up While Crude Heads Down

May 22, 2012 - As reported by JobbersWorld over the last month, most of the majors and independent lubricant manufacturers announced price increase on finished lubricants taking effect this month and next. Whereas many marketers anticipated these increases were imminent based on the trajectory of crude oil prices since the beginning of the year, some are now questioning if the justification for the increases can be sustained in light of the fact that crude oil prices have been retreating over the last few weeks. Click for more

 

 

Safety-Kleen and ARG Announce Price Increases

April 30, 2012 - Safety-Kleen announced a price increase on blended products of $0.25 a gallon. This increase is effective May 20, 2012. Effective May 21, 2012, prices for motor oil, ATF, gear oil, greases and industrial lubricants sold by American Refining Group will increase by $0.35 a gallon. Some of the company's synthetic and specialty lubricants, however, increase at a higher rate. Click for more

 

Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and Petro-Canada Announce Price Increases

April 24, 2012 - ConocoPhillips advised it marketers it will raise its finished lubricant prices 3 to 5% effective May 24, 2012. Chevron announced it will increase the price of it lubricants by 3 to 6%. This increase is effective May 21, 2012. Petro-Canada advised its marketers in the US of a price increase of 3 to 6%. This increase is effective May 22, 2012. This price increase reportedly excludes Process Oils (Paraflex) and Purity FG White Oils. Chemlube also announced a price increase; $0.30 per gallon on all bulk lubricants except fully synthetic products which are increased by $0.40 per gallon. These increases are effective May 10, 2012. Click for more

 

   

Looks Like Another Round of Price Increases 

April 17, 2012 - Shell announced a general price increase for its lubricants of 4%. This increase is effective May 19, 2012. Shell says the increase is due in part to increasing costs of raw materials used in production and delivery of its products. Warren Oil announced a price increase of $0.30 a gallon on bulk effective May 7, 2012. It will also increase packaged oil prices by $0.35 a gallon on May 21 and grease prices by $0.05 a pound. CAM2 announced a price increase on bulk orders placed after April 27, 2012 and packaged orders placed after May 4. Its bulk lubricant prices will increase by $0.30 a gallon and packaged lubricants will move up $0.35 a gallon. In addition, CAM2's prices on grease will increase by $0.05 a pound. Smitty's Supply announced an increase of $0.35 a gallon for both bulk and packaged lubricants and $0.05 a pound on grease. These increases are effective May 1, 2012. Smitty's attributes these increases to increases in the cost of raw materials. Effective May 1, 2012, the Delfin Group announced it will increase the price of its lubricants by $0.25 a gallon. Click for more

 

Chevron First to Move on Group II

March 27, 2012 - Chevron announced it will increase its base oil prices by $0.20 to $0.25 a gallon. This increase is effective March 28. Click for more 

 

 

Base Oil Price Outlook 

March 27, 2012 - So here we go in what appears to be another round of base oil price increases. It started with naphthenic base oil, then Group I, and now we are looking at Chevron as the first to move in Group IIs. So what does it mean, where are prices heading? Well if history helps predict the future, we have a good deal to draw from. To start, although there have been some asperities in base oil pricing trends, the trend line is up. Click for more

 

 

Base Oil Prices Move Up

March 16, 2012 - Holly announced an across the board price increase on paraffinic base oils of $0.30 a gallon. The increase is effective March 22. Holly is an API Group I base oil producer.  Nynas raises pale oil prices by $0.35 a gallon. San Joaquin Refining - up $0.20 to $0.25 a gallon, Calumet - up %0.25 a gallon, Cross Oil - up $0.25 a $0.35 a gallon, Ergon - up 0.28 a gallon. Click for more

 

Base Oil Spreads Tightening

Feb. 14, 2012 - The spread between Brent Crude oil and 100N Group II base oil has been trending down since the beginning of the year. If history repeats itself, we can expect to see upward movement in the price of base oil should this trend continue. And when this happens, it doesn't take long for finished lubricant prices to follow suit. Click for more

 

 

PERSONNEL AND PROMOTIONS
 

Roy Fewkes Joins PQIA's Technical Sub-committee to Help Ensure the Quality and Integrity of Lubricants in the Market   

December 14, 2012 - The Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) announced that Roy Fewkes, Driveline Fluids Group Leader for GM Powertrain, has joined the Technical Sub-committee of PQIA's Advisory Board.  "Roy has deep market and technical expertise in the automotive industry and is a global thought leader in the quality and performance of Driveline Fluids," says Thomas F. Glenn, President of PQIA. Glenn adds "Roy is a welcomed addition to our technical subcommittee and his credentials speak for themselves." In addition to Roy's distinguished position as the Driveline Fluids Group Leader for GM Powertrain, he is Chairman of the GM ATF and Gear oils Approval Committee. Roy is also a Fellow of the Institute of the Motor Industry, Member of the STLE and the Society of Automotive Engineers, Associate Member of the Institute of Road Transport Engineers, and an Associate Member of the Society of Operations Engineers. Roy holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Loughborough University, England and has over 30 years' experience in motor racing engine and chassis development. Click for More

 

 

Cummings to Lead CHS Lubricants

December 14, 2012 - CHS Inc, a leading energy, grains and foods company, has named Rick Cummings as vice president of its Lubricants division, effective Jan. 1, 2013. "Rick has the expertise and passion to immediately begin collaborating to help our customers grow their lubricants businesses," says Don Olson, senior vice president of Propane, Lubricants and CHS Renewable Fuels. "With his extensive sales and brand marketing experience as well as his strong energy knowledge, Rick will be a key player in helping CHS achieve our aspiration to be the preferred manufacturer and marketer of quality, heavy-duty lubricants in targeted domestic markets." Cummings will assume responsibility for the manufacturing, distribution and marketing of multiple brands of lubricants, including Cenex� and Farm-Oyl� products, as well as packaging private label lubricants for other leading companies. Click for More

 

 

Haag promoted to President of Moore Oil

October 2, 2012 - Moore Oil Company, Inc., a distributor of oil, petroleum and chemical products, has promoted Andrew Haag to president, effective Oct. 1st. He spent eight years working in operations for the company before taking over as vice president of marketing in 2011. Andrew will succeed his father, Scott Haag, as president and represents the fourth generation of his family to work in the oil and petroleum distribution industry. Scott Haag will stay on as CEO and chairman of the company's board of directors. Click for more

 

 

Safety-Kleen's Rodney Walker Named Sustainability All-Star by Green Fleet Magazine

October 23, 2012 - Rodney Walker, technical director of oil re-refining at Safety-Kleen, was named one of Green Fleet magazine's 2012 Sustainability All-Stars at the publication's annual Green Fleet Conference held this year in Schaumburg, Ill. Walker was selected as a Sustainability All-Star for his dedication to sustainability in the fleet industry, significant sustainability achievements, innovative contributions to reducing emissions and fuel consumption, and involvement in industry-wide efforts to promote sustainable fleet transportation solutions. Click for more

 

Heidi Matheys Joins Ashland as Vice President, Global Brands

October 2, 2012 - Ashland Consumer Markets, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc., announced that Heidi Matheys has joined the company as vice president, global brands. Matheys will be responsible for leading brand management, strategy, marketing and consumer research for the Valvoline™ family of branded products, which includes Valvoline NextGen™ motor oil, the first motor oil that's 50 percent recycled oil and 100 percent Valvoline protection. She will report to Sam Mitchell, senior vice president and president, Ashland Consumer Markets. Click for more

 

 

Shell Names New Leader for Americas Commercial Fuels and Lubricants Businesses

September 20, 2012 - Shell Lubricants named today commercial veteran Istvan Kapitany as the new president of Shell Commercial Fuels and Lubricants Americas, effective January 1, 2013. After four years leading the regional business, Lisa Davis will assume the global position of Executive Vice President Strategy and Portfolio for Shell downstream businesses next year. Click for more 

 

 

Anwer Hussain, Senior Vice President, Lubricants at CHS, will Retire Effective Nov. 1, 2012.

September 5, 2012 - After three decades, Anwer Hussain, senior vice president, Lubricants at CHS, will retire effective Nov. 1, 2012. "Anwer has made lasting contributions to CHS throughout his career, including leading a very profitable and successful business within Energy and building it through acquisitions and core growth," says Jay Debertin, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Energy and Foods. Click for more

 

 

Phillips 66 Lubricants Engineer Awarded Esteemed Certification

August 31, 2012 - Barry Mandelbaum Receives CLGS� Certification from the National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI). Phillips 66 Lubricants, one of the largest finished lubricants suppliers in North America, announced that Lubrication Engineer Barry Mandelbaum, a member of Phillips 66 Lubricants for nearly 30 years, has received CLGS� Certification. This prestigious recognition, which qualifies Mandelbaum as a certified "grease expert," is awarded by the National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) and sets the standard in lubrication knowledge, credibility and expertise. Only 59 people have received this respected acknowledgement worldwide. Click for more

 

 

John Massel Named President of Warren Unilube, Inc.

August 7, 2012 - John Massel has been named President of Warren Unilube, Inc., a subsidiary of Warren Oil Company, Inc. of North Carolina. Mr. Massel will be responsible for all sales and operations of the West Memphis, Arkansas lubricant, chemical blending and packaging facility. Mr. Massel comes to Warren Unilube, Inc. with more than 24 years of experience in the lubricants sales, financial management, supply chain and blending and packaging operations, most recently with Pinnacle Oil, Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana. Click for more

 

Western Marketing Inc. Announces New President and New Board Member

August 3, 2012 - Mike Miller joined the company as President, following the retirement of Rich Hasten. Mr. Miller brings 30 years of experience in leadership and business management to Western Marketing. Previously, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of Blue Sun Energy, a manufacturer and marketer of branded fuels in the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest. Click for more  

 

Irvin Warren Awarded the Ernst & Young Carolinas Region Entrepreneur of the Year

June 29, 2012 - Mr. William Irvin Warren, President & CEO of Warren Oil Company was awarded the Ernst & Young Carolinas Region Entrepreneur of the Year award in the Commercial and Consumer Products Category. Click for more

 

Rob Kress Has Joined Chemlube International as Vice President

March 27, 2012 - Rob will concentrate his efforts on expanding Chemlube's domestic base oil and finished lube business, particularly at CL's Savannah blending and terminaling facility, as well as contributing to all aspects of Chemlube's growing business.   Click for more  

 

 

PRODUCTS
 

Two Leading Engine Manufacturers Certify Universal Lubricants' ECO ULTRA� Oil for Natural Gas Engines

December 14, 2012 - Universal Lubricants, a leader in sustainable energy solutions, announced that Cummins Inc. and Detroit Diesel Corporation, global leaders in the design and manufacturer of high-performance engines, have certified that ECO ULTRA� CNG/LNG Engine Oil, SAE Grade 15W-40, conforms to the performance specifications required for their natural gas engines. These engines, which reduce emissions, improve fuel and decrease maintenance costs, require special, high-performance engine oils. Click for More 

 

OilSafe Announces Fully Integrated Bulk Storage and Dispensing System

November 29, 2012 - OilSafe announced the completion of its newly developed bulk system for lubrication fluid storage and dispensing. The OilSafe� Work Center is said to provide safe, compact bulk storage and contamination control to promote best practices for lean manufacturing, 5Rs, 5S and OSHA� right-to-know compliance. The final element of the industry-leading OilSafe Visual Lubrication Management System, the OilSafe Work Center is the only modular, scalable bulk system of its kind. Each tank has its own pump and built-in filtration to prevent fluid cross-contamination, and keep fluid storage areas organized, clean and free of the 55-gallon drums that are commonly used. Click for More

 

Shell Spirax� S6 ATF A295 Developed to Meet Demanding Allison TES 295 Specification

November 29, 2012 - In a joint effort with Allison Transmission to meet the growing global demand for heavy duty automatic transmissions, Shell Lubricants has introduced Shell Spirax� S6 ATF A295 synthetic automatic transmission fluid.  The new lubricant is approved against Allison's stringent TES-295 specification for extended warranty and extended drain intervals. According to Shell, Spirax� S6 ATF A295 can be relied on to last up to 300,000 miles under normal conditions or 150,000 miles under severe conditions without risk to the transmission components or warranty. Click for More

 

Chevron Announces New Premium Hydraulic Oils That Deliver Fuel Costs Savings and Enhanced Productivity

October 2, 2012 - Chevron Lubricants introduced three new premium hydraulic oils at MINExpo in Las Vegas, NV. Clarity� Synthetic Hydraulic Oil AW, Rando� HDZ and Rando� HD Premium Oil MV offer multi viscosity or high viscosity index (VI) formulations that deliver fuel cost savings and increases in productivity when compared to conventional monogrades. The new premium hydraulic oils feature improved oxidation and shear stability-versus conventional monogrades-which deliver robust protection to hydraulic pumps. Chevron says, Clarity Synthetic Hydraulic Oil AW (ISO 32, 46, 68), provides excellent performance in low temperature climate, and is designed to give maximum protection to both mobile and stationary vane-, piston-, and gear-type hydraulic pumps in high-performance applications as well as in environmentally sensitive areas. Click for more

 

Chevron to Consolidate Gas Engine Oils Under HDAX� Brand

July 10, 2012 - Chevron Products Company announced that it is consolidating its gas engine oils under the Chevron HDAX� brand. The focus of the consolidation is on retaining the best products from Chevron's global portfolio, assuring customers have technology that has been proven in both the lab and the field. Chevron has built its new HDAX Gas Engine Oil line in a way that simplifies the product selection process. Click for more

 

Castrol Industrial North America Announces the Launch of the Performance Biolubes Product Line

July 10, 2012 - The Performance Biolubes technology platform adds a range of bio-based lubricants, and metalworking fluids to Castrol's existing line of lubricants supplied to the aviation, industrial manufacturing, marine and energy markets. Initially these products will be available in North America with plans for future roll out to Castrol's global operations. Click for more

 

New Pennzoil Ultra™ 0W-40 Designed For All SRT Vehicles

June 11, 2012 - Pennzoil� is introducing the new Pennzoil Ultra™ 0W-40 synthetic motor oil, created alongside Chrysler Group engineers specifically to keep SRT engines running clean. The advanced, co-engineered formulation is the result of months of collaboration between Pennzoil scientists and Chrysler Group engineers to develop motor oil that provides the performance that SRT owners have come to expect from their high-tech engines. Pennzoil Ultra™ 0W-40 is the motor oil Chrysler recommends for use in all SRT engines, exceeding the stringent Chrysler MS-12633 specification. Click for more

 

Motul� Launches New MC Care™ Product Line

June 4, 2012 - Motul� announces the launch of MC Care™, a comprehensive line of care and maintenance products specifically formulated for motorcycle, ATV and powersports users.  MC Care includes 18 products (nine that are new), which it says "revolutionize the way you care for your motorcycle." Click for more

 

TrueSouth Launches Marketing Campaign in Five States 

April 13, 2012 - TruSouth Oil, an industry leader in the blending and packaging of automotive and industrial lubricants, has launched a marketing campaign in five key markets: Shreveport, Dallas, Indianapolis, Pensacola-Mobile and Orlando. The campaign promotes TruSouth's innovative new product for do-it-yourselfers, TruFuel�, the first pre-mixed fuel engineered for 2-cycle equipment - the engines most commonly found in chainsaws, leaf blowers and trimmers. Click for more

 

Chevron Introduces Delo 400 NG SAE 15W-40

March 30, 2012 - Chevron Lubricants, maker of the Delo� brand of technologically advanced engine oils, lubricants and coolants, introduced the latest member of its product family, Delo� 400 NG SAE 15W-40. The new product, formulated with Chevron's ISOSYNTM Technology, is a premium oil for use in compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) engines.

 

ConocoPhillips Lubricants Introduces New Wireline Lubricant  

March 27, 2012 - ConocoPhillips recently announced the availability of its new Wireline Lubricant.  ConocoPhillips' Wireline Lubricant, or grease, is designed to maintain a seal and prevent the escape of wellbore fluids during wireline operations in oil and gas completion services.  The new Wireline Lubricant is a specialized, clear formulation designed specifically for high-pressure, high-temperature wireline environments. Click for more

 

 

EcoPower Receives dexos1™ Engine Oil Specification

Feb 29, 2012 - Safety-Kleen's EcoPower� has become the first re-refined engine oil to meet the GM dexos1™ specification.  dexos™ is a global engine oil specification designed by GM Powertrain engineers to increase fuel efficiency, extend the life of emissions systems and produce fewer emissions in GM vehicles. Click for more 

 

Calumet Specialty Products Partners Announce the Introduction of SuperCal Motor Oil

Jan 17, 2012 - Calumet Specialty Products Partners, refiner of specialty hydrocarbon products, recently announced the introduction of their SuperCal line of high quality motor oil and lubricant products. Calumet's primary focus with SuperCal is to deliver high quality, high performance lubricants that address a range of customer needs in today's market. Click for more

 

 

FACILITIES

 

Ultrachem's Solar Project Completed

October 23, 2012 - "We are pleased to announce the completion of this major renewable energy project", said Bob Whiting, President of Ultrachem. "Not only will the system improve the environment by reducing our reliance on traditional fossil fuels, it also relieves our energy burden from the electric grid during peak hours which benefits the community. All of the people at EnterSolar were fantastic to work with and completed the entire project on schedule." The system was installed on the roof of Ultrachem's Corporate Headquarters located in New Castle, Delaware and will generate enough energy to serve the entire annual electricity needs of the Ultrachem facility. Click for more

 

 

Smitty's Starts Work on $10 Million Warehouse Expansion

October 23, 2012 - Smitty's Supply has started work on a $10 million warehouse and office expansion. The additions should add 50 jobs to the 400 people already employed by the company in northern Tangipahoa Parish about 15 miles south of the Mississippi state line. Owner Ed Smith, at a groundbreaking in Roseland, said that the work would also employ 100 construction workers to build the 165,000 square-foot expansion. The project will double the company's warehouse capacity. Click for more

 

 

ExxonMobil to Expand High-Performance Synthetic Lubricants Capacity in Louisiana

September 27, 2012 - ExxonMobil is investing more than $200 million to expand its Baton Rouge chemical and lubricants plants to increase capacity for synthetic lubricant base stocks manufacturing and lubricants blending, packaging and storage. The expansion will increase ExxonMobil's worldwide capacity of synthetic esters and alkylated naphthalene by more than 25 percent to meet the demand for high-performance lubricants made with these advanced products. The project will include construction of a state-of-the-art blending center for synthetic aviation oil at ExxonMobil's lubricant blending plant in Port Allen, La. Click for more

 

Fire at Chevron Richmond Refinery

August 7, 2012 - Last night, at approximately 6PM PST, Chevron shut down its 240,000-barrel-a-day refinery in Richmond, CA after experiencing a fire at its only crude unit. Whereas the fire is out, there is plenty of speculation about how this incident will impact the price of fuels and base oils over the next few months. According to documents filed with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, other process units at Chevron's Richmond refinery include a 64,800- barrel-a-day diesel hydrotreater, a 96,000-barrel-a-day jet hydrotreater, a 57,600-barrel-a-day naphtha hydrotreater, a 90,000-barrel-a-day fluid catalytic cracker and a 60,900- barrel-a-day isocracker. Click for more

 

 

 

GROWMARK Lubricants in Council Bluffs ISO 9001:2008 Certified

June 4, 2012 - The GROWMARK Lubricants manufacturing facility in Council Bluffs, Iowa, has achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification, signifying quality control of all business processes. "The certification process looks at our entire business, from the moment an order is placed, through manufacturing, shipping, and final delivery," said Makayla Umphreys, inventory and production manager. "We now have a plan in place to make sure we meet customer expectations every step of the way." The certification comes on the heels of a major renovation at the facility, which increased storage space and updated the laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment. An open house will be held later this summer. Click for more

 

Shell to Close Lubricant Blend Plant in Wood River

Feb 29, 2012 - Shell Oil Co. plans to close its lubricant blending and packaging plant in Roxana/Wood River, IL where Shell began operations in 1918. The closing of the Wood River plant will also result of closing of a distribution plant in O'Fallon. According to Shell, the Wood River Blending Plant is closing because it needs major upgrades and because it is on property Shell doesn't own. Click for more

 

 

 

MARKETER RELATIONS

Universal Lubricants Partners with Interstate Distributor Company

October 2, 2012 - Universal Lubricants announced a business partnership with Interstate Distributor Company. Under the agreement, IDC converted its trucking fleet of over 1,300 units to the ECO ULTRA� engine oil line. IDC's fleet features state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient technologies that minimize environmental impacts while also maximizing economic benefits to the company. IDC selected ECO ULTRA because it helps address both priorities. Click for more

 

Universal Lubricants Celebrates Two Year Partnership with Superior Honda of Omaha

August 7, 2012 - Universal Lubricants, a manufacturer and distributor of premium lubricants, announced that Superior Honda of Omaha has reached the two year endorsement milestone supporting ECO ULTRA�. Superior Honda of Omaha, a recipient of the Honda President's Award for eight consecutive years, recommends ECO ULTRA as a preferred product because of its dual focus on sustainability and performance excellence. The dealership has performed more than 2,000 oil changes using ECO ULTRA, the motor oil made from re-refined base oil. Click for more

 

Apache Oil Company Announces Non-Exclusive Distributor Agreement with Castrol Lubricants

June 29, 2012 - BP Lubricants USA Inc., in its continuing efforts to strengthen their Distributor Network in the Houston, TX marketplace, has awarded a non-exclusive distributor agreement for packaged and bulk lubricants to Apache Oil Company located in Pasadena Texas. The addition of Castrol automotive and heavy duty lubricants provide Apache a great premium product line to help current and new customers keep equipment on the road, and on the job, cost effectively. Click for more

 

Chevron Raises the Bar with its 1st Source Elite Marketers 

March 7, 2012 - Whereas Chevron set the bar high with its Signature Class marketer requirements, it moved the bar even higher this year when it announced its new 1st Source Elite Marketers. In short, Chevron says 1st Source Elite Marketers are those with a passion to win and commit to the Chevron brand. To wear the badge of a 1st Source Elite Marketer and enjoy the benefits, Chevron marketers must meet certain volume requirements. One such requirement is the purchase of 75% of their lubricant and coolants from Chevron (inclusive of branded and private label); and meet a minimum volume commitment of 750 thousand gallons a year. Then there is growth. 1st Source Elite Marketers are required to post a minimum of 1% growth in premium products from 2011 to 2012 and 5% growth in coolant volume over the same period. Click for more

 

Congrats to Sun Coast Resources!  

Feb 16, 2012 - Chevron Lubricants, maker of the Delo� brand of technologically advanced engine oils, lubricants and coolants, recently awarded Sun Coast Resources, a Houston-based petroleum distributor, a new package delivery truck in acknowledgement of its strong growth in 2011. The giveaway was part of the "Chasing the Truck" promotion, which was open to Chevron lubrication distributors in the U.S. and Canada, and was designed to award outstanding growth in sales of qualifying Delo products. Click for more


 

LUBRICANT QUALITY


PQIA Issues a CONSUMER ALERT on "SUPER STAR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID" 
December 19, 2012 - The Petroleum Quality Institute of America recently tested a brand of automatic transmission fluid (ATF) on the shelves in Michigan that it says will likely cause damage to automotive transmissions. The brand is "Super Star ATF." PQIA says the viscosity of the product tested is more than 20% below where expected, it contains water, and has unusually high levels of silicon, potassium, sodium, aluminum, and iron, indicating that this product may contain used oil and/or antifreeze. Although the sample of Super Star ATF tested was purchased in Allen Park, MI, PQIA says this brand was observed at other locations in the state. Click for More 

  

 

PQIA Says it's Time to "Stop the Slop"

October 2, 2012 - In a Call to Action, the Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) Puts its Foot Down on Harmful Engine Oils Sold in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. The Petroleum Quality Institute of America completed a tour collecting engine oils and transmission fluid samples in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. Whereas the results of its testing will be published in a few weeks, PQIA says it feels a "sense of urgency to advice consumers about the proliferation of engine oils on the shelves in these states that can cause serious harm to your engine." Click for more

 

Chevron Upholding Motor Oil Quality Standards 

September 27, 2012 -Chevron is helping combat the widespread sale of harmful, low-quality bottled motor oils in convenience stores and bulk motor oil at quick lube facilities across the United States.  Click for more  

 

 

PQIA Issues a Don't Buy on MaxiGuard and a Consumer Alert on Auto Club™

June 29, 2012 - The Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) issued a "Don't Buy" on  MaxiGuard Engine oil. According to PQIA, this oil can cause damage to passenger car engines. In addition to warning consumers about the dangers of this oil to car engines, PQIA also advises retailers to be aware of the issues PQIA has found with this brand. Click for more

 

   

Silogram Lubricants Files Suit Against Everclear

March 7, 2012 - Silogram Lubricants, a New York Corporation with a manufacturing and distribution facility in Bayonne, NJ filed a $25 million breach of contract suit against Everclear of Ohio, Ltd. on March 1, 2012.Silogram alleges the 10W-30 engine oil it purchased from Everclear for resale to Silogram's customers from late 2010 to early 2012 was defective and improper for use in automobiles. As such, it damaged passenger cars and trucks where it was intended for use and caused damage to Silogram's business and reputation. The Silogram suit claims they were purchasing the Everclear engine oil at a rate of approximately 1 million gallons a year. Click for more

 

 

PQIA Issues Two New Consumers Alerts  

Feb 21, 2012 - The Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) posted tests results on six brands of engine oil recently tested. The results conducted on five samples meet the requirements for their labeled API Service Category and SAE viscosity grades. PQIA says, one sample, however, "raised eyebrows before the test results were even in." That sample is for U.S. Economy Motor Oil 5-30.  Click for more

 

OTHER NEWS

Chemoil Invests in Chemlube/Sopetra

August 3, 2012 - Chemlube International of Harrison, NY, a lubricants blender and base oil distributor, announced that Chemoil Energy Ltd. through a European subsidiary, has acquired 50% interest in Chemlube International and its affiliate, Sopetra S.A. The deal includes Chemoil acquiring 50% of Chemlube International LLC for approximately USD 8.3 million cash and 50% of the shares of Sopetra S.A., for approximately USD 8.1 million cash. Click for more

 

CITGO Takes Issue with Trimen Oil Sales

June 4, 2012 - The Petroleum Quality Institute of America reported today that in addition to CITGO taking Mid-States Energy to court, CITGO filed a lawsuit last month against Trimen Oil Sales, Inc. (Gardena, CA). The suit alleges that Trimen had also put something other than CITGO in the drums and pails it sells with CITGO labels. Click for more

 

POLARIS Laboratories� Opens New Fluid Testing Lab in Moscow, Russia  

June 4, 2012 - POLARIS Laboratories�, the leading North American fluid analysis provider, also operates one of the largest networks of independent laboratories for testing technical fluids, including fuel, oil and coolant, in the United States, Canada and Central America. The company has now expanded into Russia with the opening of POLARIS Laboratories� Russia, the official representative of POLARIS Laboratories�, located in Moscow. This laboratory represents the seventh facility for POLARIS Laboratories�. Bryan Debshaw, POLARIS Laboratories'� CEO, stated, "The goal of the new Moscow laboratory is to strengthen POLARIS Laboratories'� presence in Europe and Asia." Click for more 

 

Baghdasarian Arrested on Federal Charges

May 22, 2012 - Federal authorities arrested Markos Baghdasarian, former president of Delfin Group USA LLC, as he was boarding a plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta on Saturday. The plane was bound for the United Arab Emirates. Click for more

 

 

BIS Issues Order Temporarily Denying the Delfin Group and Its President Export Privileges   

March 16, 2012 - The Bureau of Industry and Security, U.S. Department of Commerce, through its Office of Export Enforcement (OEE), issued an Order temporarily denying the Delfin Group USA LLC, and it's president, Markos Baghdasarian , for a period of 180 days, the export privileges under the Export Administration Regulations. The Order was effective February 25, 2012.  According to the BIS Order, the OEE presented evidence that beginning in or about mid-2010, and continuing thereafter, Delfin Group USA LLC and its president, Markos Baghdasarian, conspired with multiple entities and individuals, including entities and individuals located in the United Arab Emirates (UEA) to export U.S.-origin items subject to the Regulations from the United States to Iran, via transshipment through the UAE, without obtaining the required authorization from the U.S. Government. Click for more

 

 

CLASSIFIEDS
 

Ergon Refining, Inc. in Vicksburg, Mississippi, one of the largest producers of naphthenic process oil in the world, has an immediate opening for a Product Services Manager. This position serves as the liaison between the manufacturing function and sales force of the company and is accountable for product integrity and traceability. The position is involved in developing new products and assisting with their implementation into the marketplace. Personal contact with customers is a principal function of this position, requiring occasional overnight travel. Will also supervise and direct activities of four subordinates. Candidates should be familiar with statistical process control theory and quality measurement systems. A degree in chemistry or a related field and either previous experience in the petroleum industry or in a lab setting is required.  Prior product exposure to base oils or lubes is preferred. 

 

Offers of employment are contingent upon a routine background check, passing a drug test, and an acceptable driving record.

 

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to [email protected]. Only applicants who submit salary requirements will receive the courtesy of a reply.

 

Ergon Refining, Inc. is an EEO/AAP employer.












Territory Sales Manager

Hampel Oil, a leading regional distributor of petroleum products throughout the Midwest, is currently seeking a Territory Sales Manager for its Dallas-Ft. Worth operation.

 

  • Strong work ethic, dynamic and results oriented
  • Excellent communication and people skills
  • Self motivated and able to work with limited supervision
  • Minimum of two years sales experience required

 

Candidates can send resumes to [email protected].

 

   

   

 

Pinnacle Resources, Inc., a privately held lubricants manufacturer with over 30 years in the industry is seeking a regional sales manager. Primary job functions include the marketing of bulk finished lubricants and chemicals across US and surrounding countries. Work from home office is allowed and travel time is based on performance. Strong industry background is required. Responsibilities include:


- Establishing and managing accounts.
- Development of sales and profitable growth for both commercial and industrial lubricants.
- Being well organized and representing the company in a professional manner while maintaining an excellent level of customer service.

Qualified personnel please contact [email protected]   

      

 

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