Glen Sharkowicz, Director of Brand Strategy – Commercial marketing, South Asia Pacific, ExxonMobil, AsiaPacific Pte Ltd.What is the role of lubricants in reducing total cost of ownership of a machine?
Machines in off-road sectors like construction and mining operate under severe weather and geographic conditions. They have to work in harsh conditions – from heavy loads and high temperatures, to excessive wear, dirt, and water contamination. All these require lubricants of specialised formulation, and companies like ExxonMobil are bringing to India their cutting-edge technologies to meet this requirement. Lubricants play a vital role in increasing equipment productivity and reducing total cost of ownership by reducing downtime and increasing efficiency.
What is the demand scenario from off-road equipment segments for lubricants?
Even as the infrastructure equipment in India is witnessing a new wave of global benchmarking, off-road equipment segments like construction are areas where we expect strong demand in the coming years. This growth can be attributed to greenfield projects, capacity expansions and embracing of new technology in the key sectors. Today’s quality conscious customer is demanding superior performing, high technology products that deliver smart results and sustainability benefits.
What are the key products and solutions you offer to construction and mining equipment?
We have a portfolio of advanced products for the construction and mining sectors. Our offerings for the construction and mining equipment have been designed to meet the needs of customers.
Our synthetic and mineral-based lubricants protect equipment operating under severe conditions, including loads and pressures, frequent starts and stops, wide operating temperature ranges and contamination. These lubricants offer long oil life and extend equipment life, creating less waste and potential energy savings. While Mobil Delvac???MX PLUS 15W-40 is a high-performance diesel engine oil that provides excellent lubrication for extended engine life in a wide variety of industries, applications and fleets, the Mobil DTE 10 Excel???Series are high-performance anti-wear hydraulic oils specifically designed to meet the needs of modern industrial and mobile equipment hydraulic systems. The customised lubricants for the mining sector include Mobilgrease XHP???321 Mine and 322 Mine, which have excellent anti-wear properties and extended service capabilities to deliver under harsh operating conditions.
How are you prepared to handle the upcoming emission levels?
The upcoming emission levels are just one factor in the overall approach to environment protection and sustainability. We at ExxonMobil aim to develop breakthrough technologies that have a positive impact on society in a manner that is safe for our employees, communities and the environment. Many of our advanced-technology lubricants lower overall traction versus mineral oils, helping to reduce the amount of fuel or energy consumed while operating, and reducing emission levels. Purely in environmental terms, ExxonMobil’s commitment to energy-efficiency minimises environmental impact through technologically advanced products and services.
What are the emerging technology trends in oils and lubricants?
The trend is of synthetic lubricants, or like we call them, designer lubricants. Synthetic lubricants differ significantly in composition and performance from conventional lubricants. The new generation of Mobil lubricants aptly demonstrate the immense value created by synthetic lubricants. For instance, our Mobil Delvac 1???ESP 5W-30 and 5W-40 are advanced full synthetic, high-performance diesel engine oils that deliver long drain capability and fuel economy, while extending the life of modern diesel engines operating in severe conditions.
What do customers look for in lubricants?
Customers are looking for industrial expertise like Mobil’s that has helped companies and equipment owners around the world lower costs, improve productivity and enhance equipment efficiency. Our highly experienced equipment builder engineers work closely with leading OEMs to help guide our research chemists and lubricant formulators in developing lubricants for the most demanding applications. We have Mobil Serv???programme that offers services including oil analysis, on-site lubricant analysis, engine inspection, energy efficiency study, hydraulic and gear inspections, etc. Our industry-leading team of formulators, scientists and engineers help customers optimise lubrication programmes and maximise productivity.
Where do you see the industrial lubricants market in the next five years?
The lubricants market in India is robust and expected to grow consistently at a CAGR of 4.64 per cent over the next five years. The major factors driving this growth will be the growing industrial sector and the booming construction sector. Going into the future, we will see a new wave of synthetic lubricants, which will differ significantly in composition and performance from conventional lubricants. The new generation of lubricants will continue to raise the bar for key performance criteria, demonstrating the immense value of synthetic lubricants.