Lubcon strikes manufacturing deal with Japanese firm

JX NIPPON, one of the biggest oil and gas companies in Japan has appointed Lubcon to blend its Yamalube brand on its behalf for the Yamaha Motorcycles and outboard motors being assembled in Nigeria. This is a rare feet yet to be accomplished by any indigenous lubricant firms in Nigeria.

Lubcon was adjudged the best in terms of meeting the required standards after considering proposers from many lube manufacturing firms that bided for this offer. The company’s  sample  was subjected to rigorous laboratory standards quality certification audits.

Taiye Williams, Managing Director of Lubcon International said though his company clinched the deal with JX Nippon providing the plant certification: “It is not something that is given to you and you think it stops at that. There is a regular audit; they come annually on a regular visit to check if we are still maintaining the required standards”.

He said:”Lubcon is an ISO certified company which implies that we also go through regular internal and external audits of our management and quality system. All these assist us to maintain the quality that is required in order to meet the standards that Yamaha requires. Our aim is to improve on this partnership and we are very determined to ensure that we keep improving”, Williams assured.

The appointment of Lubcon is a confidence show on the local capacity and in line with the Federal Government’s policy on local content inclusion as required by the enabling law guiding direct foreign investments in Nigeria.

Williams explained further that his organisation has adopted the principle of continuous improvement to raise its standards; this, he said, is giving Lubcon the leading edge against competition.

“We have up to 350 products that are being blended in our plant across our key markets in Africa. Our flagship product which is adrenalin is a 20w50 multi-grade. Many now have appreciated our synthetic lubes which is the first to be produced in this country which is known as the Rugged Series. We have the Rugged Elite and Rugged 4 by 4. We are positioned to provide the desired lubricants that would make the country’s machinery run”, he emphasised.

The new CFAO Yamaha Showroom and Assembly Plant was declared open by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the Executive Governor of Lagos State.

Governor Ambode stated at the occasion that the collaboration between CFAO and Yamaha to establish the plant is good news to Lagos. “With over 60% of Nigeria’s industry capacity located in Lagos, and a policy thrust that encourages good returns on investments, good security and infrastructure provision,  Lagos will remain the most attractive location for investments”, Governor Akinwunmi said.