Gauteng-based Habot Marketing is to introduce a range of environmentally conscientious lubricants, which will be manufactured from renewable sources, says CEO Sean O’Donnell.

“The new range will be based on synthesised renewable esters and will have performance levels equal to hydrocarbon-based synthetic lubricants. Performance levels accompanying previously available ‘green’ lubricants have generally been unsatisfactory,” he states.

The company manufactures, markets and sells specialised lubricants, or more specifically, synthetic lubricants. The Habot brand lubricants are blended mostly to internationally designed and approved formulations, using top-tier synthetic base fluids and additives.

O’Donnell says Habot supplies the mining industry, as well as other industries, where compressors, industrial gearboxes and internal combustion engines are used.

“Any machine where there are two or more moving parts cannot function reliably without a lubricant. Lubricants are necessary to ensure friction between moving parts is reduced to a minimum and also serves to cool equipment. This enables machines to operate in a predictable fashion. Synesthetic oils take the lubricant function to higher levels of efficacy,” he explains.

Habot, which markets a range of products for use in automotive applications, is expecting to see growth from the automotive market. O’Donnell says the company is redesign- ing its branding and packaging, which will be available shortly.

Another avenue of growth, the Habot CEO says, is the company’s involvement in helping other lubricant companies wishing to expand their range to include synthetic products. “We currently blend product for rebranding and will continue to grow this avenue of the business.”

Habot, which is relocating its factory from Boltonia, Krugersdorp, to a “vastly improved” Industria West, Roodepoort, believes it is well positioned to meet growing demand for its products. Globally, the synthetic lubricant industry is growing at 20% a year.

O’Donnell points out that, unlike its com-petitors, who are fully importing products and often quoting unacceptable lead times, Habot uses raw materials that are readily available in South Africa, which means it can blend any of its products in 24 hours.

Further, the company is exploring oppor-tunities outside South Africa and is receiving attention from operators and suppliers in Africa, where availability and lead times of synthetic lubricants is an issue.