Shaping the Future of Industrial Lubrication with Sustainability

In an industrial landscape long dominated by multinational lubricant giants, See Lube Technologies has carved a distinct identity through customization, technical depth, and a sharp focus on application-driven solutions. Founded with the vision of delivering cost-effective yet high-performance lubrication solutions tailored to Indian manufacturing conditions, the company has steadily evolved into a trusted process partner across automotive, machine tools, and heavy engineering sectors. From advanced metalworking fluids to environmentally responsible specialty lubricants, See Lube blends innovation with practicality—enhancing productivity, improving tool life, and optimizing shop-floor efficiency. In this exclusive interaction with Bearing Review, the leadership shares insights into the company’s growth journey, product innovation philosophy, sustainability initiatives, and strategic roadmap for the future. Excerpts from an interview with Managing Director, Munish Garg :

Can you share the founding story of See Lube — what inspired the company’s inception, and how has its vision evolved over the years?
At the beginning of this decade, I observed that the Indian industrial lubricant market was largely dominated by multinational companies. While their products were technically sound, they were often priced at a premium, making them less accessible for many Indian manufacturing units. More importantly, there was limited flexibility for application-specific customization. Industries were expected to adapt to standardized products rather than receiving solutions tailored to their unique machining and process requirements.

This gap created a significant opportunity. Indian industries needed high performance lubricants that were not only economical but also customized to their specific applications, irrespective of order size. Recognizing this vacuum, we founded See Lube Technologies Pvt. Ltd. with a clear vision to deliver cost-effective, application focused lubrication solutions designed specifically for Indian manufacturing conditions.

Over the years, our vision has evolved from simply offering alternatives to multinational brands to become a trusted partner in process optimization. Today, we focus not just on supplying lubricants, but on enhancing productivity, improving tool life, reducing downtime and building long-term technical partnerships with our customers.

At See Lube, customization, technical support, and customer-centric innovation remain at the core of our growth journey.

See Lube operates in a highly competitive lubricants and specialty fluids market. What would you say sets the company apart from both national and global players?
The lubricants and specialty fluids market are indeed highly competitive with strong national and International brands. However, what differentiates See Lube is our application focused, customer centric approach rather than a product centric model. Many big companies operate on standard formulations designed for global environment. Those products are technically advanced, but they often lack the flexibility required to address the challenges in Indian manufacturing environments. At See Lube, we start with the application, not the catalog. We study the machining parameters, metallurgy, operating conditions and production objectives before recommending any solution.

Another key differentiator is agility. Being an Indian company with strong R&D capabilities, we are able to customize formulations even for smaller requirements. This flexibility allows us to serve MSMEs and mid-sized industries with the same seriousness and technical depth as large companies, something that is often difficult for larger companies to accommodate.

Cost efficiency without compromising performance is core to our philosophy. We optimize formulations to deliver measurable improvements in tool life, surface finish, process stability and overall productivity, ensuring value creation rather than mere price competition.

Above all, what really sets us apart is our partnership mindset. We see ourselves not just as lubricant suppliers, but partners in increasing profitability by Value Engineering.

How do you see See Lube’s role in supporting India’s manufacturing and industrial growth, especially in sectors like automotive, machine tools, and heavy engineering?
India is undergoing a significant transformation in manufacturing, driven by initiatives such as “Make in India,” infrastructure expansion and rapid industrialization. Sectors like automotive, machine tools, and heavy engineering are becoming increasingly quality conscious, productivity driven and competitive. In this evolving era, lubrication is no longer a consumable, it is a performance enabler.

At See Lube, we see our role as an application partner in this growth journey. Our focus is to enhance manufacturing efficiency through application-centric lubrication solutions that directly work on cost per component. Even small improvements in lubrication performance can translate into significant increase in productivity and cost savings for manufacturers.

In automotive and precision machining sectors, where tolerances are stringent, our customized metalworking fluids help maintain consistency and process stability. In heavy engineering and demanding operations, our specialty lubricants are designed to withstand heavy loads, elevated temperature and extreme working environments.

We believe that India’s manufacturing growth will be powered not just by machines, but by optimized processes. By delivering technically sound, economically viable and customized lubrication solutions, ST KOOL Lubricants contributes to strengthening the foundation of India’s industrial competitiveness from MSMEs to large manufacturing setups.

Your product range spans metalworking fluids, rust preventive oils, hot forging lubricants, specialty greases, and more. How does See Lube approach product development to address diverse industrial needs?
At See Lube, product development does not begin in the laboratory; it begins on the shop floor. Our approach is rooted in identifying the “pain points” within a customer’s process and then creating a solution around those specific challenges.

Rather than promoting a fixed portfolio, we closely study application parameters such as machining operations, metallurgy, production volumes, environmental conditions, downstream processes like painting or coating and housekeeping requirements. This applicationfirst mindset allows us to design formulations that solve real operational problems.

A good example is our product ST KOOL 15T, a watersoluble tapping oil. One of our customers was using a vegetablebased tapping oil and was facing significant issues like machines and shop floor were becoming excessively messy, creating maintenance challenges and poor working conditions. Additionally, there was a high rejection rate during subsequent painting and coating operations due to residual oil contamination.

After a detailed analysis, we developed ST KOOL 15T, a water-soluble tapping solution engineered to provide effective lubrication while ensuring proper cooling, easier cleaning and minimal residue. The results were transformative:

• Tool life improved significantly.
• Machines and shop floors became cleaner and easier to maintain.
• Rejection rates during painting and coating were virtually eliminated.

This case reflects our broader philosophy:  we do not merely supply lubricants, but we engineer solutions that improve productivity, quality and workplace efficiency, simultaneously.
By consistently focusing on customer pain areas, See Lube continues to expand its product range in alignment with real industrial needs rather than market trends alone.

Can you discuss any recent product innovations or breakthroughs — particularly in high-performance or environmentally friendly lubricants?
One of our recent innovations has been the development of a high-performance, environmentally responsible water-soluble broaching fluid ST KOOL 29B.

Broaching is a super-finishing operation where tolerances are extremely narrow and tool cost is significantly high. Even minor inconsistency in lubrication can impact dimensional accuracy, surface finish and even tool life. Therefore, performance was the primary criteria during development.

We began by conducting a detailed assessment of the application by studying material composition, cutting speeds, tool geometry, surface finish expectations and downstream quality requirements. Based on these mandatory parameters, we engineered ST KOOL 29B using advanced Synthetic Ester Technology.

A key focus during formulation was environmental responsibility without compromising performance. The product contains:

• No heavy metals
• No sulphur
• No chlorine
• Only environmental friendly components
• The results have been extremely encouraging. Customers reported:
• Approximately 30% increase in
tool life
• Superior surface finish consistency
• Cleaner machines and components
• Significantly improved shopfloor hygiene

This development reflects our larger innovation philosophy, sustainability and high performance must go all along. At See Lube, we believe that future-ready lubrication solutions must not only enhance productivity but also align with evolving environmental and workplace safety standards.

With Metal Working Fluids being a core segment, how do you balance performance requirements with sustainability and workplace safety concerns?
Balancing performance with sustainability and workplace safety is not a compromising situation for us, it is a design principle. We believe that high performance lubrication solutions must also contribute to safer working environments and lower environmental impact.

A relevant example is from ultrasonic cleaning operations. Traditionally, many cleaning formulations require heating the solution up to the cloud point for effective performance. This not only increases energy consumption but also adds operational cost and safety concerns related to handling heated solutions.

After studying this application in detail, we developed ST CLEAN 450 an environmentally responsible ultrasonic cleaner formulated to perform efficiently without the need for heating to the cloud point. By eliminating the heating requirement, the product helps customers:

• Reduce energy consumption
• Lower operational costs
• Improve workplace safety
• Simplify process control

At the same time, it maintains excellent cleaning efficiency, ensuring that components are properly prepared for subsequent operations like coating or assembly.

This approach reflects our broader philosophy in metal working fluids, we engineer solutions that deliver performance, reduce environmental load and improve shop floor conditions simultaneously. Sustainability, for us, is not a marketing statement; it is integrated into the chemistry and application design of our products.

What investments has See Lube made in R&D, testing facilities, or technical expertise to ensure consistent quality and performance across its product lines?
At See Lube, R&D is not a one-time investment, it is a continuous commitment. From the very beginning, we have believed that sustainable growth in the lubricants industry depends on strong technical capabilities and in-house testing infrastructure. Accordingly, we reinvest a significant portion of our annual profits into research, product development and laboratory enhancement.

Our laboratory is equipped with a wide range of advanced testing instruments to ensure consistent quality, performance validation and formulation refinement. These include:

• Viscosity testing equipment
• pH meters
• Cloud point apparatus
• Load testing equipment
• Water washout characteristic apparatus for greases
• Copper corrosion testing apparatus
• Flash point testing equipment
• Grease worker
• Grease penetrometer

And several other analytical and performance evaluation tools

This comprehensive testing capability allows us to simulate real application conditions, validate product performance and maintain strict quality control standards
before any product reaches the customer.

Beyond infrastructure, we continuously enhance our technical expertise by studying evolving machining technologies, environmental regulations and performance benchmarks. Our goal is not just to manufacture lubricants, but to engineer scientifically validated solutions that deliver consistent, reliable results across diverse industrial applications.

At See Lube, quality assurance is embedded in our process “From formulation to field performance”.

Are your products certified to any international or industry-standard benchmarks? If so, how do these certifications strengthen customer confidence?
Yes, several of our products are certified by NSF International, particularly for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

NSF certification is globally recognized and signifies that a product meets stringent safety, quality and compliance standards. In sectors such as food processing and pharmaceuticals, where hygiene, contamination control and regulatory adherence are critical, such certifications are not optional; they are essential.

By obtaining NSF certification, we provide our customers with documented assurance that our products are formulated and tested in accordance with internationally accepted safety guidelines. This not only simplifies compliance requirements for end-users but also strengthens their confidence in using our lubricants in sensitive environments.

For us, certifications are not merely badges of approval, they represent our commitment to transparency, accountability and adherence to global best practices. They reinforce our promise that performance, safety and reliability go all along.

Which industrial sectors and customer segments have shown the strongest demand for See Lube products, and how is the company expanding its market footprint across India and overseas?
The strongest demand for See Lube products has emerged from the automotive sector, particularly in the tractor and two-wheeler manufacturing segments. These industries require high levels of consistency, precision machining and process stability.

Over the years, we have built a solid presence in these segments by improving tool life, enhancing surface finish quality and supporting process optimization across machining operations. Our close technical collaboration with customers has helped us establish long-term partnerships rather than transactional relationships.

We have also successfully entered the passenger vehicle segment and are steadily expanding our customer base within this category. As manufacturing standards continue to evolve, our ability to provide customized solutions tailored to specific production requirements has enabled us to gain trust among leading OEMs and component manufacturers.

In terms of geographic expansion, we are strengthening our footprint across India through strategic dealer development, technical service support& participation in industrial exhibitions. Our focus remains on building regionwise partnerships
that ensure both product reach and after-sales technical assistance.

Looking ahead, we aim to explore selective overseas opportunities where Indian-engineered, application-driven lubrication solutions can offer competitive value. Our expansion strategy is guided by sustainable growth, technical credibility and long term customer engagement.

How does See Lube support its customers beyond supplying products?
At See Lube, we firmly believe that supplying a lubricant is only the beginning of the relationship. True value is created through ongoing technical support, process optimization and knowledge sharing.

Application support forms the core of our customer engagement model. Our technical team works closely with customers to understand machining parameters, operating conditions and production challenges, ensuring that the lubricant performs optimally within the specific application.

We regularly conduct on-site training programs for operators, supervisors and maintenance teams, focusing on best lubrication practices, coolant handling, contamination control and preventive measures. Proper awareness and disciplined practices significantly enhance lubricant life and machine performance.

For larger manufacturing units, we undertake Total Coolant Management Systems (TCMS). Under this program, our team manages the complete lifecycle of metalworking fluids. We monitor and maintain critical emulsion parameters such as concentration, pH, contamination levels and fluid health at regular intervals. Most importantly, sump maintenance is carried out without interrupting production lines, ensuring seamless operations while extending coolant life and reducing disposal frequency.

Additionally, we conduct lubrication audits to identify inefficiencies, cross-contamination risks and opportunities for optimization. These audits often lead to improved housekeeping, reduced consumption and better cost control.

Through this comprehensive support approach, See Lube positions itself not merely as a lubricant supplier, but as a long-term technical partner dedicated to improving productivity, efficiency and operational reliability.

Sustainability is increasingly shaping the lubricants industry. How is See Lube addressing environmental issues — such as biodegradability, waste recycling, and reduced emissions?
Sustainability is no longer optional in the lubricants industry, it is a responsibility. At See Lube, environmental consciousness is integrated into both our product development philosophy and operational practices.

We already offer a range of biodegradable products, particularly across our waterbased cleaner portfolio. These formulations are designed to minimize environmental impact while maintaining high cleaning efficiency and process reliability.

Our R&D team is actively working on developing biodegradable cutting oils and specialty greases that meet performance benchmarks without compromising ecological safety. The goal is to ensure that sustainability and high productivity can coexist.

Another important aspect of our approach is extending product lifecycle. Our formulations are engineered for longer working cycles, which reduces the frequency of fluid replacement and disposal. This not only lowers waste generation but also minimizes the environmental footprint associated with transportation, storage and processing of spent fluids.

By focusing on safer chemistries, enhanced product longevity and responsible formulation practices, See Lube aims to contribute to a more sustainable industrial ecosystem, where performance, efficiency and environmental stewardship move forward together.

Looking ahead, what are your strategic priorities for the next 3–5 years — whether in product diversification, industry partnerships, digital transformation, or global expansion?

Over the next three to five years, our strategic priorities are clearly aligned with innovation, sustainability and expansion.

A key focus area is the development of environmentally responsible lubrication solutions based on green chemistry principles. We are continuously working on formulating high-performance products that reduce environmental impact while meeting the increasingly stringent safety and regulatory expectations of modern industries. Sustainable product diversification will remain at the core of our growth strategy.

In parallel, we are preparing to expand our manufacturing footprint with a new facility in Mumbai. This expansion will strengthen our production capacity, improve logistical efficiency and enhance our ability to serve customers across India more effectively. Additionally, the strategic location will facilitate smoother export operations, supporting our ambitions for global market expansion. We also aim to deepen industry partnerships by collaborating more closely with OEMs, component manufacturers and industrial clusters to co-develop application-specific solutions. Strengthening technical engagement and expanding our dealer network across key industrial regions will further enhance our market presence.

Ultimately, our vision for the next phase is to position See Lube as a globally competitive, environmentally conscious and technically driven lubrication solutions provider,
rooted in Indian manufacturing excellence, yet prepared for international growth.