Laugfs enters lubricant industry

Laugfs Group of Companies, one of the fastest growing enterprises in the country, yesterday embarked into the lubricant industry by launching ‘Laugfs Lubricants Limited’ together with the launch of four varieties of engine oil.

This is the first-ever Sri Lankan company to enter the highly competitive local lubricant industry with products manufactured to superior international standards.

LAUGFS Group of Companies Chairman W.K.H Wegapitiya said that this is the first time in the history of Sri Lanka that a local company had stepped into the lubricant industry with its own brand.

"We consider the launching of the LAUGFS Oil as a day of independence as from day one this country’s lubricant industry was dominated by foreign companies. And today we managed to launch our own engine oil with a Sri Lankan identity. We have produced this oil to meet all the international and local standards the only difference you will find is the lion logo on the pack," said Mr. Wegapitiya.

Commenting on how the company is hoping to market the new oil brand Mr. Wegapitiya said that soon the company will be launching an awareness campaign and appoint dealers island wide.

"Initially we will import oil from the famous Singapore based blender Italsing Petrolium , a company engaged in producing lubricant oil to other world renowned brands. Once we consolidate the local market we will be taking our brand to international markets such as the SAARC region. Already at this moment we have introduced this brand in Australia through our company there," he said.

According to LAUGFS, Laugfs engine oils will initially be available in two distinct product lines - Monogrades (Power P40 and Power D40+) and Multigrades (Supreme Petra - Petrol Engine Oil and Supreme DX).Power P40+ which provides all round protection for engines where up to API SJ/CF is recommended and is suitable for Japanese, European, Korean and Indian manufactured petrol engines. Power D40+ is for automotive, industrial, agricultural and marine applications providing enhanced engine protection and detergent properties used in Japanese, Indian and European diesel vehicles.

Supreme Petra - Petrol Engine Oil provides excellent engine protection.

It reduces engine wear and energy consumption and is applicable to petrol engines of all capacities, whereas Supreme DX is an all-fleet plus diesel engine oil, providing excellent engine protection and reducing engine wear and energy.

Laugfs Lubricants has already obtained OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) approval for Mercedes Benz vehicles to use its Multigrade engine oils. The only Sri Lankan lubricant license holder of the prestigious American Petroleum Institute, Laugfs Lubricants engine oils are blended at the state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Singapore, a world reputed oil blender who produces lubricants for world’s most reputed brands.

"With our undisputed world class products which give value for money, we’re aiming at becoming Sri Lanka’s Number One lubricant brand in the long run. However, in the short term, we’re very confident of commanding around 30% of the market share of the lubricant industry in less than two years," Wegapitiya added.

A complete range of lubricants for industrial customers (hydraulic oil, greases, gear oil, cutting oil, compressor oil, white oil, transformer oils, circulation oil etc) as well as for marine customers will be introduced within the next three months. The company will also have a range of specialised products which include break fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, ATF, additives and enhances (octane boosters, injector cleaners etc).

Laugfs Lubricants Ltd is a subsidiary of Laugfs Holdings Ltd whose diversified business activities span areas such as gas, petroleum, supermarkets, engineering, aqua systems, restaurants, property development, rubber, coir, leisure, salt and chemicals, and power.