Lubrizol Corporation, a speciality chemicals company owned by Berkshire Hathaway, has announced plans to invest over $150 million (approximately ₹1,229 crore) in constructing India’s largest CPVC resin plant. The facility will be located in Vilayat, Gujarat, and will be developed in partnership with Grasim Industries, a part of the Aditya Birla Group. Lubrizol also intends to double its capacity at the Dahej site in Gujarat and establish a grease lab in Navi Mumbai.
The decision to invest in India reflects the country’s rapid economic growth and favourable business climate, according to Lubrizol President and CEO, Rebecca Liebert. She emphasized that the expansion projects, which include new manufacturing sites, laboratories, and research and development facilities, demonstrate Lubrizol’s commitment to leveraging India’s expanding workforce and business environment. The company aims to address not only India’s needs but also those of surrounding countries.
Lubrizol has had a long-standing presence in India since initiating local manufacturing operations in 1966, focusing on chemical additives for the transportation and industrial sectors. Over the years, its involvement in India has expanded significantly, serving diverse industries with region-specific products and solutions.
Through its new investment initiatives, Lubrizol anticipates creating approximately 4,000 direct and indirect job opportunities. The introduction of CPVC into the Indian market by Lubrizol in 2001 has been met with significant demand, especially in the form of plumbing pipes and fittings. With the growing requirement for clean water in residential and commercial buildings, the CPVC sector is expected to continue experiencing substantial growth.
Lubrizol, in collaboration with Grasim Industries, will commence the construction of the first phase of a cutting-edge CPVC resin plant in Vilayat later this year. With a single-site capacity of 100,000 metric tons, this facility will be the largest CPVC resin production site worldwide. The CPVC resin manufactured in Vilayat will be utilized in products sold under Lubrizol’s brands.
Lubrizol plans to double its existing CPVC compound capacity at the Dahej plant in Gujarat from 70,000 to 140,000 metric tons. The company also intends to establish a local research and development centre, its second global R&D centre after North America. This increased capacity will not only cater to the Indian market but also serve neighbouring high-growth markets such as Nepal, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.
Lubrizol aims to enhance the capacity of its grease lab in Turbhe, Navi Mumbai, by establishing a new facility dedicated to the testing and development of calcium sulfonate greases.
Headquartered in Wickliffe, Ohio, Lubrizol operates over 100 manufacturing facilities, sales offices, and technical offices worldwide, employing more than 8,000 individuals.
Also Read: Kedarnath Priest Digs At Scam In Gold Plated Walls Of The Shrine
