Lubrizol, a Berkshire Hathaway company known for its high-performance specialty chemical solutions with a strong global footprint and growing local presence, has recently committed over $350 million to expand its manufacturing capabilities and strengthen supply chain resilience in India. In an interaction with ET Online, Anant Pant, Supply Chain Director for IMEA at Lubrizol, explains why India is becoming a distribution hub for South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, and how “local-for-local” production is redefining supply chains. Edited excerpts:


ET: How is India’s “local-for-local” production model strengthening supply resilience, and what advantages does it bring for the specialty chemicals sector?
Anant Pant (AP): India’s specialty chemicals sector is uniquely positioned to benefit from the “local-for-local” model. By aligning production and consumption regionally, companies can deliver value more reliably across supply chains. At Lubrizol, we combine global reach with a strong local presence. For nearly a century, we have built a network of manufacturing sites, warehouses, and distribution centres closer to customers to ensure reliability. This reduces exposure to global trade fluctuations, brings us closer to customer needs, and enables us to tailor products for the Indian market. The result is shorter lead times, greater efficiency, and stronger supply chain resilience. We have committed more than $350 million in India over the past two years to strengthen these local-for-local capabilities and better respond to market demands.

ET: How is India becoming a key distribution hub for South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa?
AP: India’s growing role in global supply chains is driven by its scale, competitive cost base, government incentives, and sustained infrastructure investment. Its relative stability amid global volatility makes it an increasingly reliable base for manufacturing and regional distribution.
Lubrizol is building on this foundation with major investments. Our new additives plant in Aurangabad, the second-largest globally, will supply transportation and industrial fluids across regional markets. At Dahej, expanded CPVC resin and compound production are improving clean water access in India and neighbouring countries. Localised medical tubing production is further supporting healthcare delivery, both domestically and globally, extending India’s role in supply networks.

ET: Why do you see India not just as a growth market but as a hub for supply chain resilience?
AP: India is fast becoming a hub for resilience, supported by infrastructure upgrades and policy initiatives that are improving freight speed, reducing congestion, and building stronger multimodal links. For Lubrizol, positioning innovators and operations here helps us stay close to customer needs while building a strong base to serve both regional and global markets.

ET: How is sustainability reshaping supply chains through emission cuts, smarter logistics, and circular models?
AP: Sustainability is central to Lubrizol’s brand purpose and supply chain strategy. In 2024, we reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 16% from our 2018 baseline while continuing to optimise direct energy sources. Since raw materials account for 85% of our Scope 3 footprint, we have mapped over 95% of those inputs and are integrating bio-based and recycled alternatives. We partner with suppliers who share this vision and are embedding sustainability across the value chain. Our Dahej facility, India’s largest CPVC compounding site, has nearly doubled output without increasing energy use, while Turbhe has achieved its lowest emissions intensity through solar integration. Across all sites, we comply with regulations and set measurable targets for continuous improvement. By integrating sustainability into every layer, from sourcing to innovation, we deliver high-quality solutions while reducing environmental impact.

ET: Could you tell us how digital transformation is changing your operations and customer engagement in India?
AP: Our digital journey is aimed at creating a competitive advantage for customers. Our e-commerce platforms are reducing costs, improving speed, and giving customers greater visibility of their orders. EDI connectivity is helping our service partners connect faster and more effectively with Lubrizol. We also maintain a robust partner network for reliable service, supported by GPS tracking and shipment visibility tools to closely monitor flows. Our logistics team proactively manages trade-related challenges, identifying issues early and ensuring continuity for customers.