Apeek into FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA and its operations

In this edition, Lubezine Magazine interviews FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA’S Technical Manager who shares insights into his journey in the industry, FUCHS LUBRICANTS operations in South Africa and an overview of South Africa’s lubricants market.

EXPERT INTERVIEW

Tarr Gregory, FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA Technical Manager

1 Who is Tarr Gregory and could you take us through your journey in the lubricants industry?

I am the Technical Manager at FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA. My journey started in the Lubricants industry in 1997 at AGIP, in internal sales. It was then when the technical application of lubricants peaked my interest in tribology. From there, I moved into the technical department as a Technical advisor. I spent 10 years at AGIP, then moved to Advanced Biological Laboratories (ABL) Laboratories heading up the Metal working Fluids section for Gauteng, Free state, Mpumalanga and Northwest Provinces. I later moved to Atlas Oil and Chemical and was invited to join a PILOT Programme for South Africa run by SHELL Distributor Front Line Technical Support (DFLTs). This was a hands on Technical application base programme that combined not only Theoretical training but also infield application training. In 2015 I joined the technical team at FUCHS LUBRICANTS. We have presented 11 FUCHS Automate academies for customer and sales team. I also lectured at South African Institute for Tribology on the “Lubrication Engineering” for 12 years.

As part of the technical team at FUCHS 2 LUBRICANTS, what does your work entail?

The team consists of two product application engineers and myself. We support Internal and external customers for all of Sub-Saharan Africa. We recommend products based on application and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specification for Automotive and Industrial customers, including the food grade and mining sectors. This support is given via face-to-face site visits and through various digital platforms.

3 What is FUCHS LUBRICANTS’s footprint in the South African market and what markets are you present in?

Our geographical footprint covers all South African provinces with coverage through our branch network in Johannesburg, Durban, Gqeberha, Cape Town, Springbok, Kuruman and Witbank. Through this network our business serves an array of market industries across the Automotive, Industrial and Mining segments.

4 Mining is a key market in Africa. How is FUCHS LUBRICANTS serving this sector?

FUCHS LUBRICANTS has played a part in the Mining Industry in Africa for over 100 years stemming from our history with acquired businesses Noxal, Century Oils and Lubritene. FUCHS LUBRICANTS continues to serve the mining Industry both in South Africa and globally through relationships with all major mining houses, contract miners and the various third part service providers in the mining industry. Technical and supply relationships with mining focused OEM`s is another aspect of our involvement into this segment. A comprehensive product offering and high service levels are what makes FUCHS LUBRICANTS an attractive Mining lubricant partner.

>>The adoption of food grade lubricants could be better in the food manufacturing and process industry. Many in the industry see the use of these products as an unnecessary cost – until something goes wrong in their process and contamination causes significant financial loss; not to mention the health risks to the consumer.

5 FUCHS LUBRICANTS is big on food-grade lubricants. What is your advice on the use of food-grade lubricants given that Africa has a lot of agriculture and food processing industries?

FUCHS LUBRICANTS is big on food-grade lubricants as you say. However, the adoption of food grade lubricants could be better in the food manufacturing and process industry. Many in the industry see the use of these products as an unnecessary cost –until something goes wrong in their process and contamination causes significant financial loss; not to mention the health risks to the consumer. Our advice would be to use the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) accredited lubricants that are made according to a trusted quality standard such as ISO 21469. Our Cassida Food Grade products is NSF accredited.

6 Compared to other countries in Africa, South Africa has a good industrial base and with this, it is expected that the demand for metalworking fluids will be significant. What are some of the technical challenges in this sector and how is FUCHS LUBRICANTS technology providing solutions?

Metal working fluids are very important in the manufacturing of any metal part. If used correctly, they are cost effective and timesaving. The way they achieve this is through tighter tolerances and surfaces finish on the parts as well as faster machining time.

7 In other African countries served by FUCHS LUBRICANTS, what are the similarities and the unique features of each market?

The similarities are in the demand for quality products in part driven by the OEM`s present as well as the desire to extend component or machinery lifespan. This is achieved through lubricants that not only claim a performance level but that actually perform as the manufacturer claims, which unfortunately is not always the case. The uniqueness in these African countries is dependent on European, Asian or American OEM influences as well as the political environment being operated in.

8 South Africa is part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) economic block. How does this economic block contribute to the ease of doing business in the region?

Being part of SADC does assist however we do see a diverse range of lubricants from across the world appear in these markets. The majority of lubricants are from the region (South Africa) though, and the import duties do assist in protecting the local manufacturers to an extent.

9 You lectured at South African Institute for Tribology (SAIT) on Lubrication Engineering for 12 years. What is the role of these institutions in shaping lubricant experts in Africa?

The South African Institute for Tribology (SAIT) is a fantastic institution. The course I presented consisted of a 5-day program which covered all facets of lubrication and lubricants. After completing and passing this course the participants become members of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE), and they are able to train their colleagues on the correct use of lubricants. The course assists companies in minimizing down time and effectively introduces cost savings, which ensures a full return on investment and essentially protects people’s income.

10 You have been involved in different trainings for FUCHS LUBRICANTS customers in South Africa. What do these trainings entail and what are the benefits your customers reap from undergoing such trainings?

The trainings cover theoretical and practical knowledge transfer, with a fair amount of interaction. Training covers the basics of lubrication, understanding of the application and how the application may impact the lubricants. By understanding the strengths, limitations of the lubricant and design of the equipment, the customer can confidently recommend a product for the specific application. .