Total Lubricants in UK has revealed major plans to develop and expand its site in West Yorkshire. The announcement coincides with the 50th anniversary of the firm's Ferrybridge blending plant this month, which currently employs 90 staff.
As part of the plan, Total Lubricants will purchase four acres of land adjacent to the existing plant, enabling the firm to develop and upgrade the site; review its warehousing operations; and enhance its blending process.
Total is the only integrated oil company that still manufactures lubricants in the UK, offering a complete range of engine oils, transmission and hydraulic oils, greases, and coolants.
With planning permission already secured, work at the site is expected to commence in 2021. The ambitious development programme includes renewable energies initiatives and optimisation that will modernise Total’s manufacturing process, in turn increasing the efficiency of the site.
John Ryder, general manager of Total Lubricants’ Blending Plant in Ferrybridge, said: “As the only major energy company to still have a blending operation in the UK, we are in a strong position for the future due to the proximity to our customer base. The investment underlines our commitment to the Yorkshire region and the UK market, and we are pleased to make this announcement on the 50th anniversary of blending at Ferrybridge.”
Anna Whitehouse, VP of Operations, Western Europe at Total Group and former general manager of Total Lubricants’ Blending Plant in Ferrybridge, said: “It has been a privilege for me to be part of the 50-year history of Total Lubricants in UK. Everyone concerned can be proud of the past and confident for the future, knowing that the business can, has always, and will continue to adapt in line with market changes.”
Total Lubricants UK in 1970
The Total Lubricants’ team in 2018
Total has been blending in the UK since 1970 when it purchased the grease plant from TH Newsome. Today, it is recognised as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of advanced lubricants, with operations in over 130 countries worldwide and sales of more than two billion litres of product every year.
Total has specific expertise in metalworking, the iron and steel sector, chemicals, energy, automotive, mines, and the food processing industry.
