Infineum, a joint venture between ExxonMobil and Shell, has announced a major leap forward with a state-of-the-art blending facility in India—an ambitious expansion aimed squarely at one of the fastest-growing automotive markets in the world.

Infineum’s latest facility underscores both its confidence in the country’s manufacturing potential and the intensifying competition within the sector.

Scheduled for completion by March 2025, the facility will start trial production mid-year, with full-scale commercial blending set to begin by the third quarter, according to S. K. Raghuram, Infineum’s India Country Head.

"We plan to get it fully operational by Q3 2025," Raghuram noted during the company's 25th anniversary celebrations in Jaipur. The facility will focus on blending sulfonate and salicylate packages—two chemical additives critical to automotive lubricant performance.

Sulfonates are known for their detergency, essential for keeping engines clean by preventing sludge and varnish buildup, while salicylates contribute anti-wear and anti-corrosion properties, helping protect engines from the effects of friction and oxidation.

Together, these additives support the longevity and efficiency of engines, particularly valuable as vehicle manufacturers look to meet stricter environmental standards.