FUCHS Lubricants (UK) plc has announced a major investment in a new, state-of-the-art Quality Control (QC) laboratory at its Stoke-on-Trent manufacturing facility, marking the next significant step in the ongoing expansion and modernisation of its UK operations.
This latest development builds on recent upgrades to the company’s blending and filling infrastructure, and supports FUCHS commitment to strengthening manufacturing capability, improving operational agility, and supporting future growth in the UK market.
David Simpson, QC Manager at FUCHS UK, commented. “As lubricant technology continues to evolve, so do the demands placed on quality assurance. Today’s lubricants are more complex than ever, engineered to meet exacting OEM specifications, operate under extreme conditions, and comply with tightening global regulations. In this environment, advanced analytical capability is not optional; a modern lubricant manufacturer requires a highly advanced, data-driven analytical capability at the core of its operations”.
Simpson added, “The new QC laboratory has been designed with this reality in mind. Equipped with the latest analytical technologies, it enables faster, more precise, and more reliable testing across a broad range of parameters. This capability is essential not only for maintaining consistent product quality, but also for accelerating formulation development, supporting technical innovation, and ensuring compliance in an increasingly complex global marketplace”.
Strategically located at the centre of the Hanley manufacturing site, the new QC laboratory sits alongside blending and filling operations. This integration creates a more connected and responsive production environment, enabling real-time quality verification, reducing testing turnaround times, and strengthening collaboration between Quality Control and Operations teams.
The expansion has also delivered important operational and safety benefits. Previously, quality control equipment was distributed across two laboratories; the new centralised facility brings all core QC activities together, improving workflow efficiency. In addition, the move enhances Health & Safety by reducing the need for lone working, as the QC team operates on a 24-hour basis to support production and ensure consistent product quality.
The investment delivers significant operational and safety improvements. The new QC laboratory is 100% larger than the previous facility, enabling FUCHS UK to consolidate laboratory activities into a single, purpose-built facility, streamlining workflows and increasing efficiency. At the same time, the new layout enhances Health & Safety by minimising lone working and supporting the company’s 24-hour QC operation with a more integrated team environment.
As part of the investment, FUCHS UK has significantly enhanced its analytical capabilities, including the installation of two new Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) analysers, an advanced water purification system, and an automated pour point analyser. These technologies provide higher levels of analytical precision and throughput, enabling more sophisticated testing and deeper insight into product performance. Existing laboratory equipment has been redeployed within the Customer Service Laboratory, further strengthening overall capacity and improving business resilience.
Richard Rogers, CEO at FUCHS Lubricants (UK) plc, concluded: “This investment is about more than just a new laboratory; it is about building the capability we need for the future. As lubricant technology becomes more advanced, the need for precision, speed, and insight in quality control has never been greater. By placing a high-tech QC facility at the heart of our operations, we’re strengthening our ability to deliver consistent quality, accelerate innovation, and respond quickly to our customers’ evolving needs. It’s a key step in the continued modernisation of our UK business and underlines our long-term commitment to manufacturing excellence.”
