“Kemipex’s USPs include our industry expertise, global reach, commitment to quality, innovation, and customer-centric approach, which collectively have sustained our success over five decades.”
~ Interview with Mostafa Omar Regional Sales Director, Kemipex
1. What would you say is Kemipex’s USP in its 50+ years of existence?
We’re deeply committed to delivering exceptional results and building strong partnerships with our partners.
2. Tell us about the Lubricant Additives Division. How old is it? What inspired Kemipex to start this division?
The oldest division in the company, Lubricants Additives, continues to be the foundation of our operations, accounting for the majority of our group’s revenue to this day. We started this division by initially concentrating on VII sales; we partnered with polymer manufacturers like Sumitomo and Arlanxeo to enter the lubricants sector with high-standard products that resemble our values.
Since then, we have worked with many partners worldwide to develop the entire spectrum of additives and components that we now offer under our own brand, LUBIMAX®. In order to manufacture our additives at far more affordable prices, we built two group-owned production facilities and considerably expanded this division last year.
3. What do you offer clients under your lubricants additives range?
Almost everything a lubricant blender could need is available in our warehouses. Our aim is to serve as a one-stop shop for all lubricant blenders both domestically and internationally. Among the products we offer are:
- Viscosity Index improvers – Different SSI OCPs and star polymers in pellet, bale, powder and liquid form
- PCMO and HDEO additive packages for mineral and fully synthetic oils
- Industrial lubricants additive packages such as gear oils, hydraulic oils, turbine and compressor oils
- Full range of components such as dispersants, TBN boosters, PPDs, Antiwear, etc
- We’re also agents of BASF and INEOS in the region and maintain a stock of their highly specialized additives and PAOs
- We also support our clients in sourcing different base stocks they need for their production.
Overall, Kemipex’s unique selling points include our industry expertise, global reach, commitment to quality, innovation, and customer-centric approach, which collectively have sustained our success over five decades in the chemical industry.
Our team, with over fifty years of experience, has developed a deep understanding of market trends, customer needs, and industry dynamics. This allows us to provide valuable insights and solutions to our clients.
4. How is the market for lubricant additives performing in the ME? Who are your customers?
The market for lubricant additives in the Middle East has been witnessing steady growth due to various factors, such as industrial expansion, increased automotive sales, and growing awareness regarding the benefits of high-performance lubricants. The region’s thriving industrial sectors, including automotive, manufacturing, and construction, are driving the demand for lubricants and, thus, lubricant additives.
Additionally, stringent regulations aimed at reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency have pushed manufacturers to develop advanced lubricant formulations, further boosting the demand for additives. There have been many instances of raising the minimum performance levels accepted; for example, In 2018, the Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO) mandated that heavy-duty diesel engine oil must meet the minimum performance standards of the American Petroleum Institute’s API CH-4 performance category and in 2022 mandated that passenger car engine oil must meet the minimum performance standards of the American Petroleum Institute’s API SL performance category.
However, the market can be influenced by various factors, such as fluctuations in oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and shifts in regulatory policies.
5. Tell us about your warehousing facilities and distribution network. How do you manage them both across the different zones?
Our warehouse facilities are strategically located adjacent to our branch offices, enabling close supervision of operations by our on-site teams. Additionally, we utilize advanced software that provides real-time monitoring and recording of activities. This system allows managers at our head office to oversee and manage our warehousing and distribution operations live.
Our logistics and supply chain teams focus on demonstrating professionalism at every step taken in implementing effective security, storage and quick transport facilities to satisfy our customers in many industries. Kemipex Group has the resources and network to ship to over 125+ Ports everywhere.
6. With sustainability being the current buzzword – and not going to end any time soon – what is Kemipex’s outlook on sustainability in the chemical manufacturing industry?
Kemipex, like many other companies in the chemical manufacturing industry, recognizes the importance of sustainability in today’s business landscape.
Kemipex is one of the companies in the chemical production industry that takes a proactive approach to sustainability. The business places a high priority on environmental responsibility by putting policies in place to control emissions, cut down on energy use, and minimize waste production. Kemipex also prioritizes product innovation, stressing the creation of sustainable alternatives and eco-friendly solutions to satisfy client demands with the least possible negative impact on the environment. For instance, Kemipex and its partners have recently introduced sustainable polymers to be used as VII, where the feedstock is generated from biological resources rather than crude oils. The quality of the sustainable polymers is on par with the regular products found in the market.
Kemipex collaborates with suppliers who follow ethical labor standards and responsible sourcing methods, emphasizing the sustainability of the supply chain. We implement sourcing rules and supplier assessments to ensure that social responsibility and environmental stewardship are given top priority in our supply chain activities.
All things considered, Kemipex’s perspective on sustainability in the chemical manufacturing sector can probably best be described as a dedication to striking a balance between social responsibility, environmental preservation, and economic growth. By incorporating sustainability into its business plan, Kemipex can generate sustainable value over time, improve its competitive edge, and help ensure a more sustainable future.
7. Why have you decided to exhibit at BOLAT? What are you looking forward to from this event?
As a prominent player in the lubricant additives sector, we were delighted to discover an industry-specific event and jumped at the chance to participate in this thrilling event. Other events in the area are typically more concentrated on base oil and its market trends or the automobile sector in general. We think that BOLAT covers the void left by the previously scheduled events.
By participating in BOLAT alongside other international leaders in the additives sector, we think we will promote healthy competition among additive suppliers and manufacturers while also providing lubricant blenders with more in-depth information on emerging technologies and market trends.