Vijay Savant MD & CEO GS Caltex India
What new lubricant solutions is GS Caltex offering for the construction and mining sectors?
The construction and mining sectors are evolving rapidly, with customers increasingly looking beyond the lubricant itself and focusing on overall equipment performance, reliability, productivity and operating costs.Our focus is to work closely with customers and understand their equipment, operating conditions and maintenance requirements and then provide the right lubrication solution. This approach allows us to move from a product-led conversation towards a broader value proposition for our customers.
We have strengthened our portfolio with advanced lubrication solutions for heavy-duty applications, including multiple categories designed to support equipment protection, longer oil life and improved operational reliability. One example is our recently introduced high-performance hydraulic oil Kixx Hydro HVL Plus for mining applications, which offers an extended drain interval of up to 6,000 hours under suitable operating conditions.
We are introducing RRBO packs which is made from re- refined base oil and our packaging incorporates 40% post-consumer recycled (PCR) material for several product range.
We are also looking at sustainability as an important part of our product development journey. For example, our newer packaging initiatives include the use of post-consumer recycled material, reflecting our broader efforts to bring sustainability into our products and operations.
At our Eco Lab in Korea, we are developing more sustainable solutions across technology, services and packaging. In addition to finished lubricants, we also have polymers, base oils, and other products in our portfolio, which will also be introduced in India in the near future.
How is GS Caltex adapting to emerging technologies such as AI and digital tools to deliver better lubricant performance and enhance machine efficiency?
There is increasing use of digital tools, artificial intelligence and technology to make machines more efficient and help them deliver better performance to the user industry. Consequently, the lubricants used in these smart machines will also have to become smarter, tailor-made, and customised to deliver the level of performance that these machines are expected to provide.We are therefore using digital tools to capture trends, understand how the oil is performing inside machines, assess the efficiency it is imparting to the machine, and identify upgrades that can help both the machine and the user achieve higher performance and satisfaction. This will help us develop smarter solutions that improve reliability, efficiency and maintenance outcomes.
Many machines in the construction and mining segments also operate under adverse conditions, including high temperatures, dust and heat. Increased use of data and technology will help mitigate some of the challenges these machines face in such environments.
Over the coming years, we see greater opportunities to combine lubrication expertise with digital technologies and condition-based approaches to deliver more comprehensive solutions. GS Caltex is committed to investing in this transition and bringing the benefits of our global technology capabilities to the Indian market.
How is GS Caltex strengthening its partnerships with OEMs in India?
We have been associated with the construction and equipment industry of India for more than a decade, particularly the mining and construction segments. OEMs appreciate both the quality and reliability of our products and our services. Today, we have association with more than 35 OEMs partners in India and globally. Our approach is to work closely with OEMs and provide solutions that support equipment performance and reliability.For us, it is not simply about selling lubricants, but about building long-term partnerships and delivering value to customers.
What is the demand outlook for lubricants from construction and mining equipment manufacturers?
The outlook remains positive, supported by India's continued infrastructure development across roads, bridges, ports, airports and other projects. As equipment deployment increases, so does the need for reliable lubrication and maintenance solutions. Customers are also increasingly looking at the overall value of a lubricant rather than only its price. This is creating significant demand for equipment and, consequently, for lubricants required to operate and maintain them.GS Caltex is well positioned to support this growth through our technology, product portfolio, OEM partnerships and customer-focused approach and our products and services are well recognised and appreciated.
How is GS Caltex strengthening supply chain resilience and ensuring business continuity amid evolving global challenges?
GS Caltex strongly believes in supply chain resilience. We ensure that our products reach the right place at the right time. The West Asia crisis has shown us that supply chain management is no longer just an operational function; it requires greater integration with business planning.An important aspect of supply chain resilience is how materials are sourced. At GS Caltex, we have ensured that we have multiple sources, and we have maintained our business continuity strategies. This has helped us sustain our operations even when faced by unprecedented challenges. Supply reliability is an important part of our customer value proposition, and we will continue strengthening our supply chain to support our growth in India.
