Q: What key milestones have shaped LAUGFS Lubricants’ position in Sri Lanka’s lubricant market?

A: A major milestone in LAUGFS Lubricants’ journey was securing the blending licence – a complex and challenging process due to regulatory red tape and bureaucratic hurdles. Achieving this demonstrated the company’s resilience and determination to establish a strong local presence in a market traditionally dominated by multinationals.
Another major achievement was obtaining ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 certifications, which reflect our commitment to quality management and laboratory excellence. These globally recognised standards have helped position LAUGFS as a credible, high quality brand.

Through continuous improvement, strategic investments and innovation, we have successfully established ourselves as the third largest player in Sri Lanka’s lubricant market – an impressive feat in a highly competitive and tightly regulated sector crowded with global players.

Q: What are the sustainability initiatives undertaken, particularly in reducing environmental impact and promoting responsible manufacturing practices?

A: At LAUGFS Lubricants, sustainability is central to our operations, aligning with the triple bottom line of people, planet and profits. We have adopted zero waste manufacturing, ensuring no harmful byproducts are released into the environment.

To minimise ecological impact, we have replaced heavy metals such as zinc and cadmium commonly used in lubricants with environmentally safer alternatives such as molybdenum and nitrogen, thereby reducing risks to soil, water and the food chain.

Additionally, our advanced formulations are engineered to enhance engine efficiency by improving lubrication, and delivering superior cleansing and dispersive actions through high quality additives.

These actively prevent sludge buildup by dispersing dirt and foreign particles, ensuring a cleaner engine environment. The result is improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions and a powerful contribution to both performance and environmental sustainability.

Q: How do you ensure consistent quality and innovation in your product range while operating in a highly competitive industry?

A: LAUGFS Lubricants ensures consistent quality and innovation through globally recognised certifications including ISO 9001:2015, ISO 17025:2017, American Petroleum Institute (API), Japanese Automotive Standards Organisation (JASO) and NLGI (National Lubricating Grease Institute). These validate our adherence to international standards and independent lab testing.

We also collaborate with globally accredited additive partners whose products are approved by bodies such as API and the American Chemistry Council (ACC) coupled with a strong culture of self-operational discipline. These efforts ensure our products meet the highest quality benchmarks in a competitive market.

Q: How does local manufacturing and value addition drive your operations and support the national economy?

A: We play a vital role in local manufacturing and value addition by introducing advanced petrochemical technology to Sri Lanka – a sector traditionally dominated by multinationals. As a homegrown brand, we manufacture lubricants to international standards through partnerships with globally recognised additive and base oil suppliers.

On the B2B front, we provide customised solutions tailored to specific industrial needs, supporting local manufacturing efficiency. Additionally, we collaborate with universities and technical institutes by offering internships and research opportunities in our lab, helping bridge the gap between academia and industry while nurturing future talent for the country’s evolving industrial landscape.

Q: What are the company’s strategic priorities and growth plans for the next three to five years, both locally and potentially in regional markets?

A: Over the next three to five years, LAUGFS Lubricants has outlined a clear set of strategic priorities aimed at strengthening both local and regional growth. A key focus is strengthening our product portfolio of semisynthetic and fully synthetic lubricants that cater to the evolving demands of the motor industry.

We are also committed to deepening our distribution network by partnering with new channels to enhance our route to market effectiveness.

Innovation remains a core pillar with our R&D team continuously developing unique, industry specific solutions that set us apart in a competitive landscape. Building brand strength is another priority – we are investing in comprehensive marketing initiatives to boost brand visibility and consumer confidence.

On the international front, we are expanding operations in Bangladesh, preparing to enter the Maldivian market and actively exploring growth opportunities in select African countries. These efforts aim to position LAUGFS as a strong regional player while contributing meaningfully to the Sri Lankan economy.

– Compiled by Indrajit Lankeshwara
COMPANY DETAILS

Telephone: 5566222 | Email: info@laugfslubricants.com | Website: www.laugfslubricants.com