Jayanta Ray, GM - Industrial & OEM
What are the recent launches in your product categories pertaining to engine oils, hydraulic oil and greases with higher drain out intervals for off highway construction equipment?
With introduction of BS VI emission norms in 2020, GS Caltex has already introduced its futuristic portfolio to meet the demands of the industry. To cater to the stricter emission norms, we have introduced Kixx HDX CK-4 and Kixx HDX EURO CJ-4, which will meet API CK4 and API CJ4 EURO standards.
We have expanded our Hydraulic Oil portfolio with the launch of Long-Life Hydraulic Oil (Kixx Hydro HVL) and Zinc-Free Hydraulic Oil (Kixx Hydro AF). We have also refreshed our synthetic grease portfolio to focus on Hi Temperature Grease (Kixx Grease Therma 2), Moly Grease (Kixx Grease Molytex EP 2) and Steering Grease (Multifak EP2) for the construction and manufacturing segment.
Our Kixx branded premium Lubricating oils will increase equipment operating efficiency, enhance engine fuel economy, reduce energy consumption, lower emissions, and finally lead to cost savings for the equipment end-users.
What are the parameters for selecting the right lubricant for mining, quarrying and construction equipment?
GS Caltex advanced products for mining, quarrying and construction applications are designed to offer durable protection, reliability and efficiency in challenging off-road conditions and high-pressure industrial operations.
Selecting the right lubricant is a critical first step in improving productivity and realising significant cost savings. Equipment design characteristics, operational parameters, and operating environment must all be considered when selecting the lubricant. Working conditions in the mining industry are often severe; factors like temperature, humidity, dust, and location pose different challenges for lubrication.
We are continuously working with leading OEMs to introduce value-added solutions for mining and construction segment such as engine oils that meet API FA4 performance specifications, premium quality transmission, final drive, and hydraulic oils designed to deliver higher frictional characteristics and formulated to meet specific frictional characteristics of Allison Powershift Transmissions, to name a few initiatives.
What recent improvements in compositions have been made in GS Caltex new products?
This is an ongoing process to review and rejuvenate existing formulations of finished lubricants. GS Caltex partners with leading additive companies to formulate superior performance lubricants. GS Caltex uses its own Kixx LUBO range of Group II/III base oil which has excellent low temperature properties and exceptionally bright white clear transparent qualities. The Group II/III base oil produced by GS Caltex is environment-friendly with low volatility, reducing oil consumption and improving fuel economy. And GS Caltex offers high thermal and oxidation stability to support drain interval extension. All these advantages are the result of our latest cutting-edge hydrocracking technology.
GS Caltex also offers fully synthetic Polyalphaolefin (PAO) based synthetic products to many OEMs. Our Synthetic range of Kixx PAO Engine Oils and Kixx Geartec driveline products has benefitted many customers across the mining industry.
What R&D is the company undertaking in collaboration with OEMs?
Research and Development is the core strength of GS Caltex in developing product competitiveness for lubricants and polymers. GSC R&D facility, located near Seoul in South Korea, has developed many award-winning lubricants to forge partnerships with major construction & mining equipment manufacturers global OEMs as proof of the outstanding performance of our products. Whether grease for bearings in vehicles and machinery, or hydraulic oils for all sorts of applications, or engine and gear oils for all the vehicles operating on construction sites – GS Caltex is the single source for world-class lubricants.
What additional value propositions do GS Caltex lubricants bring to customers?
We offer oil condition monitoring as an integral part of GS Caltex value proposition to key customers. Our Kixx brand of lubricants work under demanding conditions, and are exposed to constant high pressures, temperatures, and other harmful factors, including water contamination, corrosion, fuel, and air ingested particles. High levels of wear particles give advance warning of possible equipment failure, allowing for timely remedial action to be taken.
In case analytical results suggest no undue wearing is taking place, the user may extend the interval between services or oil changes. GS Oil analysis program identifies dirt, wear particles, fuel dilution, coolant, and other contaminants that can cause catastrophic failure or significantly shorten equipment life. We support our customers to choose a customised test suite that maximizes the benefits for their end-users, following our premium predictive fluid analysis service.
What does the GS Caltex Customer Services involve?
GS Caltex Lubrication services are indispensable in keeping our customers equipment at peak performance and include Advanced Oil condition monitoring; Customized Training programs including Storage and Handling; troubleshooting and technical assistance.
We advise on proactive maintenance, which in turn ensures effective storage, handling, and delivery of lubricants. Harmful effects of contamination and lubricant degradation can be avoided with proper storage and handling practices. We suggest storage in dry conditions and under shade with proper labelling to ensure misapplication and mixing of products. These simple steps can substantially impact the life of lubricants and the equipment in use.
Please tell us about your distribution network and stock points for timely supply of lubricants to project sites.
GS Caltex has a robust supply chain, operated by prominent logistics service providers, who can safely handle all kinds of pack sizes from bulk packs to pouches for catering to each and every customer, even in the remotest of locations.
Our strategic tie-ups with leading logistics service providers and 12 warehouses ensure last mile delivery with superior quality, right quantity, and within the timelines.
Supplies are stocked at our 12 modern warehouses across India, which are equipped with the latest handling equipment and have highly trained staff to ensure timely deliveries and handle any kind of crisis.
Our reliable and efficient supply chain has bought us laurels from key OEM partners, making GS Caltex well-known as one of the most efficient distribution companies in the industry.
