Global lubricants producer Fuchs Petrolub has expanded its stable with the acquisition of two recognised lubricant brands in 2015.
The German company, with its headquarters in Mannheim, has taken over compatriot corporation Pentosin, as well as Swedish company Statoil Fuel & Retail Lubricants (SFR Lubricants).
Pentosin’s global range of lubricants are set to be introduced onto the local lubricants market.
Its signature product, the 11S – a synthetic hydraulic oil – is the chosen power steering system lubricant for several local motor manufacturers, including BMW, Ford and General Motors. The fluid is designed for life-time application in hydraulic systems of modern motor vehicles.
Technical advancements in the automotive industry require that hydraulic fluids added to power steering, level control, shock absorber, hydropneumatic suspension, stability and traction control, hydraulics for convertible tops and central lock systems should be of the highest quality as well as able to handle extreme conditions. Pentosin notes that its 11S fluid has been tested in system temperature conditions ranging from –40 °C to over 130 °C.
Meanwhile, global driveline and chassis technology company ZF Friedricshafen (ZF) awarded Fuchs Petrolub the 2015 Global Supplier of the Year award in December, cementing its position as a global oil and lubricants leader.
“The jury praised the high quality and flexibility of Fuchs. Fuchs Petrolub is also active in the special ZF growth markets due to its own production location,” says ZF board of management for corporate materials management member Wilhelm Rehm.
It is understood that Fuchs Petrolub supplied 21 000 t of oil and lubricants to ZF globally in 2015, while 28 t of Fuchs Petrolub oil and lubricants made its way to ZF South Africa.
ZF notes that its growth is attributed to the existence of innovative, globally active and reliable suppliers.
“In order to remain a global benchmark, we are striving to be the leader in both innovation and cost efficiency. “In this regard, our suppliers' con- tribution is substantial in achieving these goals," Rehm concludes.