OREANDA-NEWS. Gazpromneft-Lubricants and Russian agricultural equipment manufacturer Rostselmash have used this year's “Sochi 2014” investment forum to sign an agreement on strategic cooperation. The Gazprom Neft lubricants and engine oils subsidiary will become the sole supplier of lubricants for the initial servicing of equipment manufactured at Rostselmash, as well as its subsequent maintenance and tuning.

Gazpromneft-Lubricants will develop, produce and deliver specialist engine, transmission, and hydraulic fluids, as well as lubricants, coolants and other products, to production lines at Rostselmash factories as well as Rostselmash service centres. The agreement also provides for the testing and operational monitoring of lubricants and oils, for the training of Rostselmash employees, and joint marketing initiatives.

Lubricants for agricultural machinery are produced under the joint Rostselmash G-Profi brand, whose key advantages include greater stability under exposure to high temperatures, and superior cleaning properties. Oils of this kind need replacing less frequently than products intended for trucks and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

Gazpromneft-Lubricants CEO Alexander Trukhan commented: “The agreement with Rostselmash is, for us, the next step in the fulfilment of the company's long-term strategy, which envisages increasing sales volumes of lubricants to 633,000 tonnes by 2025. To that end, the company is extending its research and development activities with the aim of introducing unique products allowing us to further extend our presence in new market niches.”