MANNOL Increases Its Global Lubricant Production to Over One Million Litres per Day
With a daily production capacity of more than one million litres, MANNOL is now one of the largest independent lubricant manufacturers in the world. The expansion of the production sites in Lithuania and Dubai marks an important milestone in the company’s history. In the following interview, Juri Sudheimer, founder of MANNOL / SCT, and Konstantin Gaab, managing director of MANNOL / SCT Germany , talk about growth, technology, and the strategic significance of this development.
One million litres per day is impressive. What does this figure mean for MANNOL?
Juri Sudheimer: Reaching this production milestone is highly symbolic. It shows how much we have grown in recent years, both technologically and organisationally. One million litres – just to illustrate the volume – that’s enough engine oil for over 220,000 oil changes in a passenger car, every day. But the million not only represents MANNOL’s high production capacity, it also stands for reliability, quality and international delivery capability. We can serve our partners worldwide more effectively and quickly, while maintaining our high standards.
How is production organised within the company?
Konstantin Gaab: Our production is spread across two strategically important locations that operate independently but are closely networked. The site in Klaipėda, Lithuania, is the largest lubricant plant in Northern Europe. Covering an area of around 50,000 square metres, we produce more than 700,000 litres per day there. The new plant in Dubai supplements this capacity with an additional 300,000 litres per day. Engine oils account for around 75 percent of total daily production, with the remainder being specialty lubricants and operating fluids. Both plants are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and organised in accordance with European quality standards.
What technologies enable such high-quality and precise manufacturing?
Konstantin Gaab: In both plants, we rely on automated production processes and so-called PIG or pigging systems, which guarantee absolute product purity. We attach great importance to having the entire production process under our own control. This ranges from R&D and lab testing to packaging design and the manufacture of plastic and metal containers to mixing and filling. In addition, every batch undergoes a three-stage quality assurance process – from the incoming inspection of raw materials to final release. Our laboratories are equipped to the highest ASTM standards, and we archive every sample for up to three years. This combination of precision, in-house production, and control ensures that we consistently produce at the highest level.
MANNOL has invested heavily in recent years. How important was this for today’s success?
Juri Sudheimer: Without these investments, our current growth would be unthinkable. Since 2004, we have invested more than €90 million in modernising our plants, including around €50 million in Lithuania and around €40 million in Dubai alone. In Klaipėda, we have expanded our filling lines from two to sixteen and digitised our production processes. With the new location in Dubai, we now have an additional 20,000 square metres of space, 104 tanks, and a storage capacity of 25 million litres. This infrastructure gives us enormous flexibility and makes us less dependent on external producers. In addition, we have invested around nine million euros in the expansion and equipment of our laboratories to ensure research and quality assurance at the highest level.
MANNOL products are available in more than 130 countries. How important is the increased production capacity for international expansion?
Konstantin Gaab: It is the foundation for it. With our two plants, we can reliably meet growing demand in all regions and expand the MANNOL brand’s presence in a targeted manner. The construction of the plant in the United Arab Emirates was an important step in this regard. The site is not only a production facility, but also a logistics hub that shortens delivery routes and brings markets such as Asia, Africa, and South America much closer. Today’s customers expect short delivery times and consistent quality – and that is exactly what we can now guarantee worldwide.
What will be the focus of MANNOL’s research and development in the future?
Juri Sudheimer: Innovation is and will remain our key driver of growth. In our laboratories, we are already developing innovative solutions for new drive technologies and sustainable lubricant concepts. These include products for e-mobility, hybrid vehicles, and modern industrial applications. At the same time, we are investing in digitalisation to make our production and logistics processes even more efficient. Our goal is to actively shape the market and influence the lubricant sector with forward-looking technologies.
MANNOL production at a glance
About MANNOL
MANNOL is an internationally successful lubricant brand. Its range comprises more than 500 products, including engine and transmission oils, operating fluids, car care products, and special lubricant solutions for industry. Since its foundation in Germany in 1993 by Juri Sudheimer, MANNOL has stood for innovation, quality, and fair value for money. The entire production process is carried out from a single source—from manufacturing to filling in metal containers and plastic containers. MANNOL products are sold globally and are now available in over 130 countries worldwide.
