Chevron Oronite selects Gapuma (UK) Limited to distribute its additives in Nigeria
Gapuma UK Limited (Gapuma), a leading commodities distributor operating in Africa for over 20 years has been selected by Chevron Oronite S.A.S., the prominent U.S. developer, manufacturer and marketer of fuels and lubricants (headquartered at San Ramon, California to be its local authorized distributor of additives in the Nigerian market as of 1st January 2020. Gapuma will carry out this new task through its local Nigerian subsidiary GLB Chemical Services Limited.
Gapuma has been distributing various chemicals and lubricants in Africa for the last 20 years and offers other services. Its footprint in warehousing, distribution and bulk storage supports on-time deliveries and comprehensive market coverage to its customers across the continent, and beyond. Its clients range from multi-nationals to small family-operated businesses.
GLB Chemical Services Limited will be assisting primarily with products in the automotive, specialities and industrial application market segment. It will import and distribute Oronite’s additives within Nigeria. Speaking to Lubezine Magazine, Jack Bardakjian; Managing Director Gapuma (UK) Limited said, “The experience we have gained over the last 20 years and local knowledge of the market, customers and quality of Oronite additives will allow us to leverage successful market development.”
Jack also highlighted that apart from distributing Oronite’s additives, they will also handle a range of base oils and glycols used in the automotive industry; while targeting expansion into other industry sectors including rail and marine.
The Nigerian additives market is very competitive. The major producers are well represented and a host of international blenders, also offer very low-cost alternatives. The market is segmented mainly between those seeking quality products to prolong their vehicles’ lifespan and those whose finished lubricant purchases are based only on price.
While it is a big achievement for Gapuma to be Oronite’s additives distributor, it might not be a smooth ride with the challenges that Gapuma could face. “Market penetration may take some time, coupled with convincing premium customers to switch to Oronite from their current premium supplier,” noted Mr Bardakjian. (Managing Director Gapuma (UK) Limited
In its efforts to achieve effective market penetration. Gapuma has promised it will be investing many strategic resources on its Nigerian Oronite Marketing Plan.
