Construction Mirror Interview

"Our aim is to earn trust by supporting the end customers’ operations with quality fuel oils and lubricants, product integrity and reliable supply as they optimise the business. Our solutions help developers, engineers and manufacturers of building and construction products meet rigorous performance specifications for the most demanding conditions."

Q. Please share your insights on India’s construction sector. What are some of the projections for the construction and infrastructure sector?

The construction industry in India is likely to witness substantial growth in the coming years and is expected to reach USD 1.4 trillion by 2025, the growth is attributed to the significant investment in the infrastructure sector. Further, initiatives like Smart Cities Mission, Make in India, and Housing for All, among others, are creating significant opportunities for the construction industry, reflecting the country’s growing economic aspirations. As multiple infrastructure projects are underway, the efficient use of reliable machinery becomes imperative for successful project completion. Consequently, the application of premium lubricants is vital to ensure optimal performance and longevity of equipment. Lubrication plays a key role in minimizing friction, wear, and heat generation, ultimately improving machinery performance and lifespan.

Now, as the construction sector prepares for even more growth, the focus shifts to integrating cuttingedge machinery with advanced technology. This is especially important for heavy-duty vehicles that endure higher shear forces, elevated temperatures, and increased wear compared to passenger vehicles. To meet the sector’s evolving needs, MobilTM is developing innovative lubrication solutions that not only enhance equipment efficiency but also play a crucial role in advancing the industry’s expansion objectives.

Q. How is ExxonMobil unlocking growth opportunities in the Indian Lubricant market?

Addressing the critical needs for the construction sector, we as a brand, offer an extensive range of lubricants specially formulated for heavy machinery and equipment used in construction projects. These lubricants contribute significantly to enhancing the efficiency and performance of engines, gears, and hydraulic systems. They ensure smooth operation, reduce attrition, and extend the lifespan of machinery, thereby minimizing downtime. This, in turn, leads to increased productivity and cost savings for construction companies. In addition to providing high-quality lubricants, Mobil also extends technical expertise and support to construction firms, collaborating with industry professionals to understand their unique needs and challenges. This collaborative approach facilitates the development of customized solutions and recommendations, optimizing equipment performance and maintenance practices.

Q. What is ExxonMobil’s readiness for the sector and what are the offerings?

Our aim is to earn trust by supporting the end customers’ operations with quality fuel oils and lubricants, product integrity and reliable supply as they optimise the business. Our solutions help developers, engineers and manufacturers of building and construction products meet rigorous performance specifications for the most demanding conditions. For off-highway vehicles servicing the construction industry, Mobil has developed the Mobil Delvac 1TM ATF fully synthetic diesel engine oil that has been meticulously crafted to meet the rigorous demands of modern heavy-duty automatic transmissions. It has earned the coveted recommendation of Allison Transmission, Inc. and bears the esteemed approval of the Allison TES-295 and TES-468 Specifications. This fluid’s formulation is a testament to its ability to excel even in the most challenging operating conditions. Its synthetic base oil composition empowers exceptional performance, ensuring seamless gear shifting and robust power transfer. A hallmark of Mobil Delvac 1 ATF is its remarkable stability, safeguarding against thermal breakdown at elevated temperatures - a crucial attribute for heavy-duty applications. Moreover, its inherent high viscosity index guarantees top-tier performance in frigid environments, ensuring optimal functionality even in sub-zero temperatures. Another offering is the Mobil Delvac ModernTM 15W-40 Advanced Fleet which is an extra high performance diesel engine oil that helps extend engine life in severe on and off-highway applications while delivering outstanding performance in modern, high-output, low-emission engines including those with Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and Aftertreatment Systems with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) and Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOCs). This oil is advisable for use in a wide range of heavy-duty applications and operating environments found in the trucking, mining, construction, quarrying, and agricultural industries. This product provides outstanding protection in the most demanding diesel engines.

For the construction sector, greases play a critical role. Duly, Mobil has developed the Mobilgrease™ XHP 222 – an extended service lithium complex grease intended for a wide variety of applications and severe operating conditions. This grease was designed to outperform conventional products by applying cutting-edge, proprietary, lithium complex manufacturing technology. It has been formulated to provide excellent high-temperature performance with superb adhesion, structural stability and resistance to water contamination. It has a high level of chemical stability and offers excellent protection against rust and corrosion. The Mobilgrease XHP 222 grease is designed for a wide range of applications, including the industrial, automotive, construction and marine sectors. Its performance features make it an ideal choice for operating conditions including high temperature, water contamination, shock loading and extended relubrication operations.

Today’s drivetrain applications place higher performance demands on lubricants. Higher speeds, higher torque, and heavier loads require improved formulations to maximise equipment life and optimise operating costs. Longer service intervals place additional demands on the gear lubricant requiring effective basestock and additive systems. To cater to this need, Mobil has come up with the MobilubeTM GX-A 80W which is an automotive gear lubricant formulated from high performance base oils and an advanced additive system. This lubricant is engineered for commercial transmissions, axles, and final drives where protection against wear and scoring is required. It is recommended by ExxonMobil for use in Mercedes Benz applications where MB-Approval 235.1 is required and in applications where API GL-4 service is required. The key benefits include good thermal stability and resistance to high temperature oxidation, excellent rust and corrosion protection, good low temperature lubrication among other benefits such as long gear and bearing life due to minimal deposits and long component life.

Q. What is your Make in India perspective for construction growth?

At Mobil, we emphasise localisation, and with increased domestic production through incentivised investments, we are strongly aligned with the government’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Industrial lubricants are essential to keep heavy machinery operating smoothly, which is necessary for many construction operations. Our cuttingedge lubricants are developed to extend the life and performance of industrial machinery, saving manufacturers costs on maintenance and downtime. Additionally, we offer industrial solutions and services, such as technical assistance and training, to assist firms in streamlining their processes. India’s manufacturing sector is dynamic and ever-changing, and we are continuously striving to adapt and develop to mitigate challenges and capitalise on the opportunities present in this dynamic sector.