Two of Japans top metalworking fluid providers said recently that with domestic automobile production and die-casting industries stagnant, their growth will likely continue to come from other parts of Asia and the Americas.

Sanyo Chemical Industries Ltd. is investing 900 million (U.S. $8 million) to expand one of its two additive plants in Japan by October, a spokesman told Lube Report Asia.

Jiangxi Hua Hang Petro, a Chinese lube trader based in Jiujiang, Jiangxi province, will begin producing lubes at a local facility by the end of this month.

Castrol India Ltd. reported a 4 percent rise in first-quarter net profit thanks to better sales in its personal mobility and industrial businesses. Apar Industries Ltd.s transformer and specialty oils segment earnings increased around 30 percent in its fourth quarter although its revenue uptick was marginal.

In instances of extreme or especially demanding operating environments, conventional lubricants for ball or rolling bearings may not be able to make the grade, adversely impacting both the performance and service life of the bearings.