From Engine Builder
Pennzoil-Quaker State Co. dba SOPUS Products, a subsidiary of Shell Oil Co. that comprises Shell’s U.S. lubricants business, has purchased the assets of American Chemical Technologies Inc. (ACT), which manufactures and distributes industrial fluids that are based on core glycol chemistries. The purchase includes ACT’s intellectual property, customer contracts and technology/product pipeline, as well as its two manufacturing facilities in Fowlerville, Michigan, and Bowling Green, Kentucky.
According to SOPUS Products President Carlos Maurer, “We are very excited about this acquisition, which enables Shell Lubricants to expand our product offering to industrial customers, especially those in the primary metals and power sectors. The resilient B2B industry sector is a key pillar in Shell Lubricants growth strategy, and ACT’s portfolio of fire-resistant fluids, unique industrial lubricants and environmentally acceptable lubricants ideally complements our existing U.S. industrial lubricants portfolio.”
“We look forward to working with the talented ACT team to bring the integrated portfolio to market quickly,” continued Maurer.
ACT President and Co-Owner Kevin Kovanda noted, “This is a momentous day for American Chemical Technologies. Our dad would be very proud to know that his vision of industrial selling, unprecedented customer service and hard work would attract the interest of Shell Oil. Our experience over the past 40-plus years of introducing new synthetic fluid technologies into the industrial lubricant marketplace brings a host of fluid chemistries that will blend perfectly into Shell’s global lubricant portfolio.
“Jim, Ross and I want to thank the entire ACT team, past and present, and our loyal, open-minded customers who have made this day a reality. Our goal is to merge our agility and customer service focus with the reach and corporate strength of Shell,” Kovanda said.
While the acquisition of assets is effective immediately, SOPUS Products has contracted with ACT to continue to operate the business on SOPUS Products’ behalf for a transitional period. Staffing needs for the business will be assessed during the transitional period, and ACT employees will be informed of potential employment opportunities with Shell as they are determined.
