US oil and gas major ExxonMobil has announced an investment of around $110 million (Rs 900 million) to build a new lubricants manufacturing plant at the Industrial Development Corporation’s Isambe Industrial Zone from Maharashtra to Raigad.
The announcement was made in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Industries Minister Uday Samant and senior officials of Maharashtra.
Once operational, the plant will have the capacity to potentially manufacture 159,000 kiloliters of lubricants per annum to meet growing domestic demand from industrial sectors such as manufacturing, steel, energy, mining and construction, as well as segments of commercial and passenger vehicles. It is expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
Monte Dobson, senior country manager for ExxonMobil’s subsidiaries in India, said: “We are proud to deepen our long-standing commitment to India with our first greenfield investment. Maharashtra is among the largest manufacturing centers in India and a natural choice for our lubricants plant due to its attractive investment environment.”
The plant will source a large portion of the base stock, additives and all packaging locally. Nearly 1,200 jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase.
Vipin Rana, Managing Director, ExxonMobil Lubricants said, “Local manufacturing will simplify our supply chain, allowing us to serve the needs of our Indian customers and consumers more easily.”
ExxonMobil currently has a range of Mobil brand motor oils, greases and lubricants for the automotive and industrial sectors. It is also a major supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in India and its chemicals are widely used in manufacturing.
