The Madrid, Spain-based company Olipes specialises in the design and manufacture of lubricating oils and greases, anti-freeze coolants, brake fluids and other fluids for the maintenance of industrial machinery and vehicles globally.
Founded in 1993 by Arturo Oliver and his sons, Olipes is now present in more than 45 countries across four continents. The company produces new lubricants and fluids for 75 industrial sectors every year, including mining, construction equipment, cutting and machining, marine, motorcycle and automotive, as well as agriculture, forestry and gardening, to name just a few.
Olipes develops an average of 50 new product formulations annually, which are incorporated into its portfolio of more than 2,500 references, marketed under its own brand or packaged for more than 80 brands, including major OEMs. The company has a production capacity of over 100,000 t per year.
Olipes also manufactures tailor-made products, such as lubricating greases and oils for arctic climates, EAL lubricants for the marine sector, or oil operations in sensitive environments, fluids for the cooling and lubrication of new electric motors, plus a wide range of biodegradable lubricants.
According to Olipes, the company reinvests 75% of its profits in R&D&I (research and development and innovation). This is reflected in its advanced laboratories, offices and highly automated manufacturing, packaging and warehousing facilities.
Construction equipment potential
Speaking to the global trade media during a recent press event, Olipes shared that the company’s special expertise lies in developing lubricating greases, making it a major producer in Spain and throughout Europe.
Olipes serves its global customers through an extensive network of distributors. In Asia, the company also provides lubricants for the construction equipment sector.
The construction equipment sector offers the widest applications, especially after the pandemic, and has delivered one of the biggest profits for the company, said Fernando Díaz, executive managing co-director of Olipes. “It is a highly focused sector, where we don’t have much competition,” he noted, adding that “customers in this sector also choose quality, so we have the products and expertise that meet their requirements.”
Moving forward, Mr Díaz said Olipes is open to adopting new approaches. “For example, we may look into manufacturing products regionally to be closer to our customers.”
Olipes further revealed that the company is not only committed to creating products that are more sustainable, but also dedicated to making society better and fairer. Under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, Olipes carries out a number of activities, including cooperation to help children. Through the Abriendo Caminos Foundation, the company contributes up to 10% of its profits each year towards health improvement, social integration, education and training for children and young people at risk of social exclusion.
Note: SEAC visited Olipes’ facility in June 2024, as part of a press event organised by ANMOPYC in collaboration with ICEX (the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade). This story has also been published in the Nov/Dec 2024 issue of SEAC (with more images). Click here to read it online or here to download the PDF file, on pages 52-53.
