Oils, lubes and additives 38 www.aftermarketonline.net FEBRUARY 2025 Morris Lubricants has launched a new heavyduty diesel engine oil, Versimax HD15 5W-30, that holds the latest Volvo VDS-5 specification approval along with several other OEMs. Shrewsbury-based Morris said the move marked a step change in Volvo’s approach to improving engine efficiency and reducing emissions. Versimax HD15 5W-30 maximises fuel efficiency potential by producing a thin strong oil film whilst under load, which in turn reduces energy losses and CO2 output. The oil also has Renault RLD-5 and Mack EOS-5 approvals and has the following performance levels API FA-4/SN, JASO DH-2, Daimler DTFR 15C130, Cummins CES 20087 and Detroit Diesel DFS 93K223. Meanwhile, Morris has been teaching students in the West Midlands about the different functions of oils and lubricants — and the importance of only using quality products that meet the correct vehicle manufacturer specifications. Morris technology manager Adrian Hill hosted a training seminar in December for a group of level 2 automotive learners from Wolverhampton College in the Morris factory in Shrewsbury. As well as learning about the history of the company and touring the site, the students took part in a detailed training session. The tour covered how raw materials including base oils and additives arrive on site and are stored, the production facility to understand how the blending tanks operate, and the filling lines where the various pack sizes are manufactured. Students also toured the quality control lab. Hall, who has more than 40 years of knowledge and experience within the oil lubricants industry, also held a separate ‘Introduction to Lubricants’ course for a group of level 2 motor vehicle students and agricultural engineers at Rodbaston College, part of South Staffordshire College. The course covered how oil is processed before being sold to the trade and public, the various types of oil available and how they are used in different vehicles. Last summer, Morris announced a £3 million investment at its Shrewsbury facility. Morris launches Versimax and puts training in the spotlight Duckhams has turned to AI to bring its founder, Alexander Duckhams, ‘back to life’ to talk about the rich history of the company that celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2024. Working with a specialist animation studio in the US, the firm commissioned a video that saw the founder tell the story of Duckhams. Duckhams said the move was a natural progression after pushing the boundaries of innovation for more than a century and constantly evolving to meet the demands of the changing world. A simple dream grew into a global symbol of innovation and quality, the company said in a statement. Today, Duckhams represents a legacy of resilience built on generations of trust and craftsmanship, ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.” In the specially commissioned video to celebrate the milestone, senior leadership team members, key global distributors and winning motorsport drivers Adam Smalley and Dan Cammish shared their stories of the Duckhams legacy. Duckhams has expanded into 27 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Asia since the engine oil brand’s UK relaunch in 2017. “The legacy of the Duckhams brand stands for victory and triumph,” said chairman Jabir Sheth. “As we marked an incredible milestone of 125 years, from developing industry-leading motor oils to sponsoring Formula 1 motorsport champions, Duckhams has been at the forefront of innovation, quality and technological advancement. We cherish our roots while embracing a forward-thinking attitude. We are already developing new oils for future mobility, creating a seamless union where tradition meets tomorrow’s future.” The brand’s enduring legacy makes it not only the trusted lubricant brand of the past but also a contemporary winner in today’s competitive landscape. The company is expanding internationally across continents through bespoke route-to-market models, joint ventures, licensing agreements and direct distributor channels. Duckhams chief marketing officer Rajat Moitra said: “It’s an exciting time to be leading the marketing duties for this 125-year-old juggernaut called Duckhams. “We are building the brand through investments in motorsport and digital communications. Duckhams and motorsports have been synonymous with each other along the brand’s legacy of 125 years.” Duckhams’ founder ‘revived’ to mark 125 years of innovation
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