Lubricants Manufacturer Smells Success
Chakalisa Dube | Monday November 16, 2015 18:00
Global Lubricants manufactures industrial and automotive lubricants using bases of crude oil and additive technologies.
Speaking during a tour of the company at the Somerset Industrial site last Wednesday, Sardar highlighted that the company has a plan to inject an additional P30 million to expand and double the workforce. He was, however, reluctant to provide further details because of competition reasons.
Currently, the company, which invested nearly P20 million to start operations in 2012 in the country has 30 employees. It has the capacity to produce 250,000 litres of oil a week.
However, Sardar was not at liberty to disclose how much they are producing at the moment saying it is confidential.
He would also not discuss the turnover of the company. Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) who helped the company set up in 2012 organised last week’s tour. “We supply products that are specifically designed for the African market. The products cater for bad weather conditions and dusty African conditions. Most of our competitors are mostly from Europe and they supply products that have European specs, which do not cater for bad weather conditions in Africa. This gives us an edge.
“The market prospects based on unique products we offer is very promising both locally and in the SADC market,” said the managing director.
He added that the company is content with the reception it has received from the Botswana market.
“Although there is an element of resistance of our products by some businesses, government and most companies particularly those involved in mining have been very supportive. Even individuals have been supportive to our business,” he said.
Sardar said that within the next three years the company intends to gain 40 percent market share of the country’s lubricant industry.
According to him, the country currently sells a few of its products to South Africa and Zimbabwe. “Once we are established, we will fully go into South Africa and Zimbabwe. Our intention was to penetrate the Zambian market, but the plans have been put on hold because the currency in the country has not enjoyed stability in recent times,” he said. He indicated that the company is also at a very advanced stage of upgrading its operations.