The demand for high-performance lubricants that ensure a smooth, noise-free, and low-vibration driving experience has increased substantially. Our team has worked extensively to develop high-tech lubricants specifically for actuators, brakes, and other critical vehicle components, ensuring optimal performance in varying driving conditions, said Hitendra Bhargava, CEO of Klüber Lubrication India in an exclusive interview with Bus Coach India Magazine.
Q: Could you share some insights into the key products that Klüber Lubrication India focus area and what is your market strategies?
At Klüber Lubrication India, we have strategically identified four major focus areas when it comes to product development and market expansion. The first and perhaps most important initiative is our alignment with the ‘Make in India’ movement. Klüber, being a German company, has long been recognized for its advanced technological expertise. However, we understand that the Indian market has unique requirements that cannot always be met by importing products developed in Europe. To bridge this gap, we have started manufacturing locally in India. This allows us to develop tailor-made lubrication solutions that address specific Indian conditions such as high temperatures, dust, and humidity. Major automobile manufacturers like Tata Motors and Mahindra have greatly benefited from our localized solutions, as we provide lubricants that enhance the durability and efficiency of their vehicles.
Another key area of focus is the SUV segment. With the rapid rise of SUVs in India, the demand for high-performance lubricants that ensure a smooth, noise-free, and low-vibration driving experience has increased substantially. Our team has worked extensively to develop high-tech lubricants specifically for actuators, brakes, and other critical vehicle components, ensuring optimal performance in varying driving conditions.
Sustainability is another crucial pillar of our strategy. Today, sustainability is not just an option—it is a necessity. Many of our key clients, including Tata Motors, Mahindra, and Brakes India, have set ambitious sustainability targets. Our lubrication solutions play a vital role in helping them achieve these goals by reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste, and enhancing overall efficiency. We are deeply committed to formulating eco-friendly lubricants that align with global sustainability standards, ensuring that industries can operate more responsibly while maintaining high performance.
Looking ahead, what is Klüber Lubrication India’s long-term vision, particularly as we approach 2045? Are there any plans for plant expansion?
We have a clear roadmap for the future. In 2024, we made a significant investment of ₹142 crore in our Mysuru manufacturing facility. This expansion will effectively double our production capacity, but our focus is not just on increasing volume—it is also about enhancing quality and innovation.
When it comes to specialty lubricants, the emphasis must always be on precision, compliance, and innovation. With this expansion, we are bringing in modernization and process optimization, ensuring that we meet the highest international standards, including IATF 16949 certification. This expansion will allow us to cater to emerging markets such as electric vehicles (EVs), which require highly specialized lubrication solutions for components that demand silent, maintenance-free, and high-performance operation.
Q: Speaking of innovation, could you tell us more about Klüber Lubrication India’s Research & Development (R&D) initiatives?
Klüber operates six global R&D centers, and India is home to one of our leading research facilities, located in Mysuru. Our R&D efforts are primarily focused on developing innovative lubrication solutions for heavy industries such as cement and steel, as well as for the automotive sector.
While Germany continues to serve as the global hub for automotive lubrication solutions, we are heavily investing in developing indigenous products specifically tailored to Indian conditions. The ‘Make in India’ initiative plays a key role in our R&D strategy, allowing us to leverage German expertise while customizing products to suit Indian requirements. This approach not only enhances local manufacturing capabilities but also ensures that Indian companies can compete effectively on a global scale.
Q: The automotive industry is witnessing a major shift from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles (EVs). How is Klüber Lubrication India adapting to this transition?
That is an excellent question. Unlike traditional lubricant companies that rely heavily on engine oils and gear oils, Klüber has always specialized in high-performance specialty lubricants that play a critical role in vehicle functionality but often remain invisible to the end consumer.
The transition to EVs presents a significant opportunity for us rather than a challenge. Many of our lubrication products are designed for lifetime usage, meaning they do not require frequent replacement. This is highly relevant for EVs, where maintenance-free and high-efficiency components are crucial. For example, EV motors operate at high speeds and require low-noise, high-performance lubrication to ensure smooth functioning. Our advanced lubricants help reduce friction and enhance efficiency, contributing to an improved driving experience.
Another key area in EVs is battery cooling. Traditional battery cooling methods are not as effective in heat management, but we have developed water-based gear oils that offer up to 70% better cooling performance. Additionally, with the growing adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology, we see significant potential for our specialized lubrication solutions in this space as well.
Q: India is a competitive market with several players in the lubricant industry. What differentiates Klüber from its competitors?
The specialty lubricant segment is highly technical, and not every company has the expertise to operate in this space. Success in this industry requires an in-depth understanding of materials science, extensive R&D, and global expertise.
One of Klüber’s key differentiators is our ‘Lubrication Pharmacy’ approach. Instead of offering generic off-the-shelf products, we work closely with our customers to understand their unique operational challenges and then develop customized solutions that precisely meet their needs. This consultative approach allows us to deliver high-quality, high-performance lubricants that cater to the evolving requirements of industries.
Furthermore, as more companies transition towards sustainability and higher-quality lubricants, our business continues to grow. OEMs and industrial players are increasingly recognizing the value of premium lubrication solutions, which positions us strongly for long-term growth.
Q: Apart from the current expansion, do you foresee any additional investments in the near future?
With the new plant expansion, Klüber will become one of the most advanced specialty lubricant manufacturers globally. This investment secures our growth for the next 15 years. Our modernized facility in Mysuru, where we have been operating for over 25 years, will continue to be a key innovation and production hub for both the Indian and global markets.
We are also actively exploring new technologies and strategic partnerships to further enhance our capabilities. Our goal is to stay ahead of industry trends and continue delivering cutting-edge lubrication solutions that drive efficiency, sustainability, and superior performance.