1 You’ve held several roles at Engen, from Lab Technician to your current position as Technical Advisory Manager. Could you take us through your career journey in the lubricants industry?

I began my career at Engen in 2012 as a Senior Lab Technician, initially testing solvents. I later transitioned to the Lube Oil Blend Plant Laboratory, where I focused on lubricant testing. In 2014, I joined the technical team as a Trainee Formulator. Over time, I held various roles within the technical department, gaining valuable experience in formulating both automotive and industrial products. This period allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the formulation aspect of the business. In 2024, I was appointed Head of Technical for the Lubricants Division.

2 As a Technical Advisory Manager, what does a typical day look like for you in terms of roles and responsibilities?

My role is to ensure that my team remains aligned with the broader business objectives. This involves regularly checking in on their projects, tracking progress, and identifying areas where support is needed. I make it a priority to be available for guidance and to assist in problem-solving when challenges arise.

Additionally, I ensure that the team collaborates effectively with other divisions to maintain calibration across our strategic plans. Our team is continuously involved in providing technical support, driving product development, and ensuring compliance with key industry standards such as American Petroleum Institute (API), Association of European Automobile Manufacturers (ACEA), Japanese Automotive Standards Organization (JASO), as well as other regulatory requirements.

3 What role does technical advisory and aftersales support play in strengthening Engen’s relationship with its customers?

The Technical Advisory Team plays a key role in reinforcing Engen’s relationship with its customers. By leveraging advanced technology, we deliver expert technical support and ensure our products consistently meet industry standards and OEM performance requirements.

We offer clear insight into the design and function of lubricants within specific applications, giving customers peace of mind that their equipment is valued and well cared for by Engen.

4 How do product performance expectations in the field influence decisions made during the formulation stage?

Key market trends, including fuel efficiency, emissions control, and equipment durability guide formulations. We also consider the requirements set by OEMs and the broader industry to ensure our products align with their standards.

In Africa, unique driving conditions set the region apart from the rest of the world. As a result, when developing new products, it is essential that we factor in these regional differences alongside global trends.

In summary, before any formulation begins, we carefully consider market trends, industry requirements, and local driving conditions to ensure our solutions meet all relevant expectations.

5 What are the main challenges when formulating lubricants for modern automotive applications, and how do you overcome them?

As mentioned above, our technology is developed in line with evolving industry trends, which include a focus on equipment durability.

Fuel Efficient lubricants can be more expensive because of the technology that is used which can be less attractive for consumers who look at the price vs the benefits of the lubricant.

This requires formulations that are compatible with after-treatment systems and suitable for hybrid technologies. Additionally, there is a need to strike the right balance between fuel efficiency—achieved through ultra-low viscosity grades—and effective wear protection. These formulations must also deliver consistent performance over extended service intervals.

At Engen, we address these challenges by collaborating with global technology partners to access advanced, rigorously tested solutions that meet and exceed industry standards.

6 What role does technical training and customer education play in ensuring proper lubricant use in South Africa’s varied market, and how does Engen contribute to that?

Technical training plays a vital role in helping customers understand the importance of selecting the right lubricant for each application. By knowing which oil to use, customers can experience enhanced performance and extended equipment life. It also helps them learn proper storage and handling practices for their lubricants.

Engen supports this by providing expert technical advisors who deliver training and offer troubleshooting support to address any challenges customers may encounter.

7 Given South Africa’s diverse operating environments, from urban logistics fleets to mining and agriculture, how does Engen tailor its lubricant solutions across these sectors?

We offer a diverse range of product lines tailored to meet the demands of the South African market:

• PCMO: Our Engen Xtreme brand is designed for passenger motor vehicles and light commercial vehicles, with a variety of viscosity grades including 20W-50, 15W-40, 10W-40, 10W-30, 5W-40, 5W-30, as well as low-viscosity options.

• CVL: The Dieselube range, a well-established and trusted brand in South Africa, serves the needs of commercial vehicles.

• Agricultural Sector: Our Agrifluid line is specifically formulated for agricultural machinery and equipment.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive product range for the industrial sector, including: greases, gear oils, and coolants to support a wide variety of applications.

8 How is Engen approaching sustainability in lubricant formulation and packaging, especially as environmental concerns become more central to industry innovation?

Engen is proud to be at the forefront of sustainable innovation, leading the way by incorporating up to 32% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) material into 40% of our current product range. For our grease portfolio, all plastic packaging now incorporates a PCR component, ranging from 30% up to 75%. This significant achievement reflects our commitment to reducing plastic waste and promoting circular economy principles.

In addition, we are actively expanding our portfolio with biodegradable and plant-based products for industrial applications, designed to minimise environmental impact while maintaining the high-quality standards our customers expect.

9 How would you describe the current state of the lubricants market in South Africa? What are the main growth drivers and challenges?

The lubricants market is becoming more complex as technology initiatives keep improving within both the automotive and industrial sectors. The drive for fuel efficiency and energy savings is at the forefront of all equipment manufacturers. This provides both challenges and growth opportunities within the lubricants industry.

Some of the opportunities are:

• A growing demand for environmentally friendly lubricants, which allows for opportunity in introducing biodegradable lubricants in the industrial sector.

• The demand for fuel efficient lubricants in the automotive industry is driving innovation in formulations, leading to the development of new products designed to reduce emissions and enhance engine performance. Fuel efficient lubricants can lead to extended drain intervals which then reduces maintenance cost to the customer.

As a South African energy supplier, there is an opportunity to work closer with global OEM’s as they try and grow their technology in the African market.

The challenges on the other hand are:

• Fuel efficient lubricants can be more expensive because of the technology that is used which can be less attractive for consumers who look at the price vs the benefits of the lubricant.

• Due to the various automotive OEM’s, each of them comes with different lubricant specifications and parameters trying to achieve the fuel efficiency and carbon emissions standards. As a result, designing and manufacturing a one-size-fits-all lubricant is highly challenging, presenting difficulties for all manufacturers as we work to develop a suitable lubricant portfolio for the South African market.

Another observation in South Africa’s market is that onsumers are keeping their vehicles for longer. As a brand, we have recently launched the Xtreme portfolio, which ensures that we cater to all South Africans—those with older, middle-aged, and/or new vehicles.

At Engen we are thankful for our diverse skill set within every facet of our business. This diversity allows us to think outside the box and provide solutions for an ever-changing landscape.

10 What advice would you offer to young professionals in the lubricants industry who aspire to follow a similar career path?

There’s never a dull moment in the lubricants industry—it’s a dynamic space where continuous learning is the norm, and there’s always something new to discover. You can never truly claim to have mastered it all.

To thrive in this field, curiosity is essential. You need a genuine interest in understanding how things work, a passion for problem solving, and a drive to develop effective solutions.