As part of its continued investment in its Stoke-on-Trent based production facility, FUCHS Lubricants (UK) plc has announced a significant expansion of its production capabilities including new investments in both filling capacity and manufacturing control systems. The investment reinforces FUCHS UK’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and customer service following sustained high demand across key market sectors.
The company, which partners closely with multiple major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) within both the automotive and industrial sectors, has completed the installation and commissioning of two advanced filling lines. These investments are designed to increase production capacity, improve manufacturing flexibility, and enhance service performance for customers.
The first installation, an Omori pouch filler, is an eight-stage rotary filling machine designed specifically for FUCHS’s innovative lubricant pouch. The pouch provides FUCHS customers with an innovative and sustainable alternative to traditional plastic bottles and has seen rapid uptake in retail and automotive markets since its launch last year. The Omori machinery has the capability to handle fill volumes between 1-4 litres and ensures precise fill volumes and sealing integrity, supporting consistent product quality.
Complimenting this installation is a newsemi-automatic boom filler enables fast, engineered for efficient filling of larger containers ranging from 20-litre drums to 1,000-litre IBCs. The unique system enables fast product and container changeovers, minimising downtime and boosting throughput to help maintain FUCHS’s reliable supply performance.
“The lubricants industry is moving fast, with new challenges and higher expectations every day,” said Richard Rogers, CEO of FUCHS UK. “OEM and industry standards are becoming more advanced and complex, sustainability is a key priority, and customers expect nothing less than outstanding quality and service. These investments are just one in a series of actions we are taking to meet these challenges.”
Alongside expanding filling capabilities, FUCHS UK has also advanced its smart manufacturing systems. Building on its long-standing use of the Siemens PCS 7 Simatic Batch system for process control, the company has now implemented the Siemens Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to further enhance production efficiency.
Mark Gray, Head of Operations, explained: “FUCHS UK has always used sophisticated management software to support manufacturing, but the installation of Siemens MES elevates our capabilities to a new level. It allows us to synchronise, monitor, and adapt manufacturing activities in real time, improving flexibility, sustainability, and operational insight. We are already seeing immediate benefits in reduced production time, increased asset utilisation and continuous quality improvements”.
FUCHS Lubricants (UK) plc employs approximately 350 people in the UK, with most based at the Stoke-on-Trent facility. Rogers concluded: “As the UK lubricants industry evolves to meet stricter standards, sustainability requirements, and rising customer expectations, we are responding proactively. By investing in our people, our processes, and our plant, we are ensuring that we can continue to deliver industry-leading performance and exceed our customers’ expectations.”
