“The regional experience, capabilities and strengths of Tribonds Chemical Co. will enhance Dorf Ketal’s ability to contribute to the growth and development of the Saudi Arabia Hydrocarbon Industry while bringing innovative approaches to solving the critical industry issues of flow assurance, plant integrity [and] energy and water conservation,” Dorf Ketal Chairman and Managing Director Sudhir Menon said in a news release.

The news release did not name the joint venture, but it will operate from TriBonds’ facilities in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. According to the press release, it will focus on supplying chemicals that help the hydrocarbon industry better manage energy and water. As examples it cited drag reducing agents used in pipelines, coke retarders used in petrochemical refining and retarders used in production of styrene.

The news release said the joint venture will also supply lubricant additives. A Dorf Ketal representative was unable to provide more specific information on deadline, but both companies supply lubricant additive components. Dorf Ketal, which is headquartered in Gujarat, India, supplies a range of anti-foam and defoaming agents, friction modifiers, extreme pressure additives, corrosion inhibitors, antioxidants, detergents and dispersants – many sold under the Mobilad brand name that the company bought from ExxonMobil in 2007.

The companies said the joint venture supports Saudi economic goals such as establishing local supply to support the kingdom’s hydrocarbon industry, conserving water and other resources and facilitating acquisition of technology and development of the local work force.

Dorf Ketal was founded in 1992, TriBonds in 2017.