Construction Lubricants growth is directly associated with growth in Construction Equipment Industry
Jayanta Ray, GM Ind and OEM, GS Caltex India
How do you look at the market for Oil / Lubricants used in construction equipment?
As per ICEMA data published earlier, CE Sales for Q3 FY24 (Oct -Dec) compared to its previous similar quarter has witnessed more than 30% YOY Growth, All segments like Earthmoving Equipment, Road Construction Equipment, Concrete Equipment, Material Handling and Processing Equipment are witnessing continuous growth in double digits. The recent budget also increased investment in infrastructure segment by 11.11% there will now boost several construction projects across roads, bridges, railways etc. Construction Lubricants being directly associated with the growth in CE Industry and Infra segment bound to witness robust growth in next few years.
What are the different types of Oils / Lubricants produced by your company?
GS Caltex India is a 100% owned subsidiary of GS Caltex Corporation, South Korea manufacturing both Industrial and Automotive grade of High-Performance Lubricants by using its Superior Group II/III Base Oil- KIXX LUBO from its Yeosu refinery, which happens to be amongst one of largest and most modern refinery in the world. GS Caltex’s full range of construction lubricants provide the blueprint to keep your machines protected from wear and working smoothly for years.
GS Caltex has already introduced its futuristic portfolio to meet the demands of the industry. To meet the future demands of the construction equipment sector, product categories meeting API CK4 KIXX HDX EURO standards oils were introduced to meet stricter emission norms. Apart from same, we have redesigned our Hydraulic Oil portfolio to launch Long Life Hydraulic Oil, Kixx Hydro HVL as well as Zinc Free Hydraulic Oil Kixx Hydro AF. We have also refreshed our construction grease portfolio to focus on Hi performance Grease Kixx EP2 Advance.
To sum it up GS Caltex Kixx branded premium Lubricating oils help increase equipment operating efficiency, engine fuel economy, contribute to reduced energy and resource use, lower emissions, and thus allow cost savings for construction equipment and machinery end users.
How does your company address environmental sustainability in the manufacturing process?
GS Caltex has made consistent R&D efforts to develop eco-friendly lubricant products that can maintain engine oil performance. As a result, hybrid-specific Kixx HYBRID engine oil was launched in 2020, EV-specific Kixx EV engine oil was launched in 2021, and ‘Kixx BIO1’, Korea’s first eco-friendly engine oil made from plant-based raw materials, was launched in 2022. Also, GS Caltex has consistently pursued open innovation to uncover research opportunities and secure differentiated technological capabilities in a wide range of fields, including hydrogen, Carbon Capture & Utilization (CCU), and eco-friendly asphalt / polymer products.
What technical support services do you offer to customers?
GS Caltex Lubrication services are indispensable in keeping our customers equipment at peak performance and include:
• Advanced Oil condition monitoring
• Customized Training programs including Storage and Handling
• Technical trouble shooting and technical assistance.
GS Caltex advises on proactive maintenance program which in turn ensures effective storage, handling, and delivery of lubricants. Harmful effects of contamination and lubricant degradation can be avoided with proper storage and handling practises. Lubricants Storage in dry conditions and under shade with proper labelling ensures misapplication and mixing of products. These simple steps can substantially impact life of lubricants and the equipment in use.
How do you ensure a consistent and reliable supply of your products?
The high-performance lubricants from GS Caltex offers ultimate reliability at all temperatures, lower oil consumption, significantly lower fuel consumption and specifically extended service intervals. Whenever engines and gearboxes run freer and more reliably, operating costs are lower if only because they consume less.
GS Caltex has a robust supply chain build up in last few years which can cater to each and every customer even in remotest location within our delivery promise time. Timely supplies are one of the most basic yet important parameter in running the engine. All our twelve warehouses across India are not only equipped with latest handling equipment but also have highly trained staff to cater to any kind of crisis. Our supply chain had bought us several laurels in past from key OEM partners as one of the most reliable service providers in Industry. Our strategic tie-ups with leading logistics service providers ensure the last mile delivery ensuring quality, quantity, and timeliness.
How do you ensure that your products comply with local and international regulations?
GS Caltex always carry out in-depth quality testing during refining and blending processes. Every step - Base oils, additives, and finished products are tested. End users will also carry out acceptance testing, which involves testing the lubricant to ensure it meets the promised quality standards to comply with local and international regulations. Our GS Caltex R&D facility is located near Daejon in South Korea which has developed many award-winning lubricants to forge partnerships with major Global OEMs. Our R&D ensures that all our products comply to highest performance standards both in India and as well as for Global Markets. Taking support from our Global R&D, over the past few years, we have developed relations with leading construction & mining equipment manufacturers as a proof of our performance. This has contributed to our market position and guarantee the outstanding performance of GS Caltex products.
