Satyadip International Pvt. Ltd. has established itself as a prominent name in the Nepalese automotive market. Originating from a modest auto parts shop in Janakpur back in 2002, the company’s journey has been marked by significant milestones. By 2004, it had secured a dealership for HP Lubricants in the Janakpur region, followed by acquiring the distribution rights for Bosch parts in Kathmandu in 2005. In 2009, Satyadip International ventured into the importation of Savsol lubricants, further diversifying its portfolio.

With unwavering expansion, the company now serves as an importer for over 20 reputable companies, dealing in a wide array of products including batteries, parts, lubricants, filters, and helmets. Notably, they’ve embarked on the production of their lubricant brand, Nepal Gold.

We recently engaged in a discussion with their Deputy General Manager, Dinesh Khanal, to delve deeper into this development. Here are the insights he shared.

What’s your experience in this field?

I have been working in this field for over 12 years now where I elevated an international lubricant brand to greater heights. Currently, I am focused on establishing a domestic brand. I have been working in this company to lead the product development, business management, and expansion of Nepal Gold Lubricants under United Lubricants Industries, a sister concern of Satyadip International

I started my career in a junior assistant position. Over time, I encountered various challenges, obstacles, and experiences in manufacturing and trading lubricants. I gained experience in both manufacturing and trading lubricants of local and international brands. I also got the opportunity to work with various brands of clients. Through these experiences, I learned about the necessity and the means of providing essential lubricants at reasonable prices in Nepal.

What is your analysis regarding the lubricant market in Nepal?

Last year, 24,500 kiloliters of lubricants were sold in Nepal, with 70% from international brands and 30% from Nepali brands. While there’s a large market for international brands, there’s also a segment of consumers looking for affordable lubricants. Unfortunately, some consumers end up using low-quality lubricants due to the misconception of finding cheaper options.

In this context, our company aims to produce international standard lubricants locally, and we have obtained permission for international brands to manufacture them here. The lubricant market in Nepal now stands at around 35,000 kiloliters annually. Our company has an annual production capacity of 15,000 kiloliters.

What is the current status of Nepal Gold lubricant? 

We have recently started selling lubricants produced in Nepal. We have also begun the production of various industrial greases. We have plans to start producing lid greases as well. These include calcium greases, multipurpose lithium greases, red gel greases, industrial greases, high-temperature greases, cyan greases, etc.

There’s a famous Indian company, Standard Greases, which we have been working with for the past 15 years. We have appointed a factory manager based on this experience. Based on this, we aim to produce and distribute high-quality lubricants and greases in Nepal.

How have you aimed to enhance the quality?

We use only virgin base oil to maintain quality. In certain cases, refined base oil is also used. We do not compromise on quality and have started cooperating with international companies. We aim to produce high-quality products systematically. For this, we have prepared the necessary infrastructure, equipment, human resources, labs, and quality standards.

We have obtained ISO certificates for quality. These standards help in producing high-quality lubricants, environmental friendliness, and maintaining occupational health and safety management systems. We are in the process of achieving international standards within a month. Various testing systems for different clients have been established. We have invested more than half of our profit in this long-term plan.

What lubricants have been produced?

We have produced calcium-based and lithium-based greases. Production and distribution of hydraulic oil have also begun. Lubricants for two-wheelers, scooters, and three-wheeler engines have also been produced. Production and sale of tractor engine oil, turbine oil as an industrial oil, and gear oil have also commenced. Additionally, automotive gear oil, coolant, brake oil, and steering oil are being produced and distributed.

For what machines is lubricant production intended?

There is no system in Nepal for refining crude oil. It’s not even possible. Lubricants are prepared by blending base oil and additives. Our production process also follows the same method. However, there are significant differences in the blending and filling process. Therefore, our production process involves the use of various machinery and plants.

What criteria define truly high-quality lubricants?

The lubricants we’ve introduced to the market for trial have garnered exceptionally positive feedback, suggesting their superior quality. Notably, we’ve begun manufacturing foreign brands in our factory, underscoring our commitment to delivering only top-tier products to consumers. Additionally, our factory infrastructure is meticulously tailored for high-quality production.

In conclusion, we’re witnessing the emergence of internationally standardized lubricant production even in Nepal. Embrace Nepali lubricants and acknowledge their excellence, as we’ve achieved a one hundred percent quality production rate. Let’s prioritize this advancement.