The additive manufacturing company Infineum, which has been additive manufacturing company Infineum, has attracted all the attention of industry analysts by the latest announcement to set up a state-of-the-art blending facility in India. It would be the most substantial expansion of Infineum in one of the world's fastest-growing automobile markets. This is more a reflection of its confidence in the production potential of India as well as increasing competition in the specialty automotive chemicals sector.
Scheduled for completion by March 2025, the facility will start trial production mid-year, with full-scale commercial blending set to begin by the third quarter, according to S. K. Raghuram, Infineum’s India Country Head. "We plan to get it fully operational by Q3 2025," Raghuram noted during the company's 25th anniversary celebrations in Jaipur. The facility will focus on blending sulfonate and salicylate packages—two chemical additives critical to automotive lubricant performance. Sulfonates are known for their detergency, essential for keeping engines clean by preventing sludge and varnish buildup, while salicylates contribute anti-wear and anti-corrosion properties, helping protect engines from the effects of friction and oxidation. Together, these additives support the longevity and efficiency of engines, particularly valuable as vehicle manufacturers look to meet stricter environmental standards.
Infineum’s facility aims to offer more than just production capacity; it is designed to give automotive lubricant manufacturers a customizable toolkit. By allowing for precise blending of sulfonates and salicylates, the company will enable clients to fine-tune formulations for performance attributes ranging from engine cleanliness to fuel economy, each blend adaptable to meet regulatory requirements and evolving consumer demands. This customisable approach gives Infineum a competitive edge as automakers increasingly seek differentiated, high-performance lubricants.
This expansion places Infineum in direct competition with several other players who are also sharpening their focus on India, drawn by rising vehicle sales and the corresponding demand for high-quality lubricants and additives. As global supply chain disruptions prompt companies to explore more localised production models, Infineum’s India facility represents an evolution of its regional strategy, building on its existing full-service support operations that include chemical support testing and complex supply chain management.
Infineum was established in January 1999. The company has expanded its global operations by spreading its production and technology bases across Asia, the Americas, and Europe. Infineum has expanded its operations by adding a new facility in India to its current list of plants that include manufacturing plants in New Jersey, Rio de Janeiro, Cologne, Vado Ligure, Singapore, and Zhangjiagang and partner-operated sites in France.
Infineum, through its entry into the Indian market and its concentration on environment-friendly and efficiency-boosting technologies, has signalled a new shift in the priorities of the global automotive supply chain. It would strengthen flexibility and regional strategies through the new plant it intends to set up in the region. This could change its strategy globally as well in relation to the growing needs of the automotive industry.