German independent lubricant company Fuchs Petrolub SE has invested €11 million on improvements to the production center, labs and headquarters of its subsidiary Fuchs Lubricants based in Castellbisbal, Catalonia, Spain. The aim is to increase turnover by 10%.
Spain’s lubricant demand reached 341,900 metric tons in 2023, up 3% from 332,000 tons in 2022 and 1% from 339,000 tons in 2021, according to the Madrid-based association.
Spain, of which Catalonia is an autonomous region, is the fourth-largest economy in the European Union and the 14th in the world, with GDP of U.S.$1.4 trillion. The country is outperforming the US as the fastest growing economy. However, the flash floods that hit the Valencia region at the end of last week will have devastating effects on industry and trade, with lubricants no exception.
Fuchs targeted the investment at expanding research and production capacity and process automation. The works includes improvements in the R&D laboratories, which have grown by 500 square meters and where a team of 26 people work on the development of specialized products. Fuchs Lubricants is the only subsidiary of the group with a microbiology laboratory.
The Castellbisbal plant specializes in lubricants for processing metals, plastics and other materials used to contain food and beverages, as well as for wind energy, glassmaking, paper mills, vehicle manufacturers, automotive components and automotive lubricants for the after market.