Raj Petro Optimistic on Lubricant Demand

"Raj Petro manufactures and markets the entire range of engine crankcase oils, transmission oils, hydraulics, greases and coolant required for on- and off-highways construction equipment segment. We keep launching new products on a continuous basis, depending upon technology changes and future trends, keeping in line with market demand. We have the capability to serve customers across the country using our nationwide distribution and sales network. With the high level of optimism being witnessed due to formation of stable government, we expect a sturdy increase in mining output and new infrastructure projects, creating a strong demand for lubricant," says N. C. Sekharan, Vice President - Direct Business, Raj Petro Specialties Pvt. Ltd. in an interview of S.A.Faridi.

How does Raj Petro see demand of lubricants from the construction and mining equipment segment in the wake of stable government at the centre and what could be major growth drivers?

With the high level of optimism being witnessed around us, one should reasonably expect a sturdy increase in mining output, particularly in coal output, as well as the announcement of a spate of new infrastructure projects. These drivers are bound to increase the demand for lubricants significantly from these two segments.

Please provide an overview of Raj Petro's Indian and overseas operations. What is your complete product portfolio for on-and off-highways construction equipment?

We are currently operating throughout the country after establishing a nation-wide distribution and sales network. We have the capability to serve customers across the country using this network. Our export department caters to requirements of overseas customers. For the sake of serving the Middle East and African markets, we have already established a sales office and supply source at Dubai. We manufacture and market the entire range of engine crankcase oils, transmission oils, hydraulics, greases and coolants required for this segment.

What is the USP of your offerings? How well is the company positioned to provide customized solutions? A word about your R&D Wing and tie up with OEM.

We offer the most advanced types of high performance engine oils across our product segments. These products are formulated with high quality Gp 2 and Gp 3 base oils and specially selected additive technologies. We have secured approvals from the leading global OEMs for our premium products. In India, we have conducted monitored Field Tests totalling about 2 million kms, in order to demonstrate the real capabilities of our products. We have been able to demonstrate extra long drain intervals with our oils with increased levels of engine protection and wear control.

Could you please elaborate on Raj Petro's newer advancements in lubricants offerings and approach behind offering valued products?

As India continues to advance towards higher levels of exhaust emission control and lower CO2 emissions, new engine technologies are being deployed by the OEMs. These advancements require specialized high performance oils that cater to the new design engines and also offer protection to the sensitive exhaust after treatment devices. Also, in pursuance of the new fuel economy norms now being stipulated, we perceive new opportunities to develop energy efficient engine and transmission oil technologies working in close collaboration with the OEMs.

What is the nature of support rendered, precisely for used oil testing, on site condition monitoring analysis as preventive maintenance tools for higher equipment uptime and cost efficiency?

We manage a comprehensive used oil condition monitoring system for our customers, which assists them in changing oils at prescribed service intervals and is also capable of predicting engine malfunctions which can then trigger rapid preventive maintenance initiatives. These initiatives help the fleet and mining machinery operators to reduce their downtime and also the total cost of ownership. More importantly, this support also helps the fleets to achieve higher levels of operating efficiency.

What is Raj Petro's prime strategy towards ensuring brand promotion of its lubricants?

We conduct technical seminars and workshops for our direct customers. We have recently started media advertising in selected trade magazines. We also participate in industry exhibitions and technical seminars in order to promote the Zoomol brand.

A word about your distribution network and strategic stock points.

We now operate in about 13 states of India with fully equipped warehouses and distributors. We also have placed dedicated sales staff at all key locations, in order to lend more customer focus to our marketing efforts.

Do you have any expansion program in terms of product launch and capacity expansion?

We have sufficient manufacturing capacity right now to take care of our short term growth plans. New products are launched on a continuous basis, depending upon technology changes and future trends, keeping in line with market demand.