It has been rather slow in the U.S. and Asia – and a touch quieter in Europe too – but none of the markets seems to be in a summer lull typical of July. Americas There has been quite a lot of spot enquiry for styrene from the U.S. Gulf to Europe this week. At least 7 or 8 cargoes of around 5,000 tons each were quoted to Antwerp-Rotterdam-Amsterdam, and most were seeking end of July or August space. Yet despite this and the fact that there is not much suitable open space available out...

A Montana distributors attorney said his client denies all accusations in a lawsuit recently settled with Chevron, which had claimed the company sold Chevron lubricants without authorization and under counterfeit trademarks. Cross Petroleum Service and its owner, Greg Cross, has consistently denied liability for the acts alleged by Chevron, Ronald Youde, of Youde Law Firm P.C. in Billings, Montana, told Lube Report, which covered the lawsuit settlement in its July 1 issue. He noted the May 18 st...

Ukrainian lube maker Aviks Group recently launched a 9,000 metric tons per year grease production plant near Lipetsk, Russia, the company confirmed to Lube Report on Monday. The 40 million ruble (U.S. $700,000) plant is located in the town of Gryazi, Lipetsk oblast, and its primary products are lithium greases and industrial transmission oils, according to the company. I can confirm that the plant is up and running, and it is our largest capacity [plant] so far, a company spokesperson told Lube ...

Fire broke out Monday at distributor Santie Oils Sikeston, Mo., location, causing possibly several million dollars in damage. All employees were evacuated safely and the fire was contained. The cause of the initial spark has not yet been determined, Lieutenant Rick Rapert of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety told Lube Report, but local and federal officials launched a routine investigation yesterday morning. The lubricants and metalworking fluids distribution hub also housed liquid propan...

WD-40 reported net income of $11 million for the quarter ending May 31, up 5 percent from a year earlier, with net sales down 3 percent at $92.5 million. Earnings reached 75 cents per diluted share in the third quarter, up from 69 cents a year earlier. Based in San Diego, WD-40s fiscal year goes from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31. Net sales increased by 10 percent in the Americas to $49.7 million, decreased 17 percent in Europe, Middle East and Africa to $30.3 million, and declined 11 percent in Asia-Pacif...

Industrial lubricants manufacturer Isel Inc. of Florida recently opened a new distribution hub in Columbus, Ohio. We do production via micro-batch, so we dont have giant blending tanks, Isel Marketing Manager Dan Sandler told Lube Report. It is a manufacturing plant. The 24,000 square foot facility opened in early June. In addition to being an industrial center, Columbus offered a variety of logistical advantages. Its really well-placed for distribution and shipping, Sandler said. It allows us t...