VLS – one year on

It is now almost one year since the launch of the VLS initiative onto the UK Lubricants industry.  It has to be said that we were not completely sure of what the immediate impact would be or in fact how the initial membership would take off?  One thing we were sure of was that our industry has long awaited the introduction of an independent and knowledgeable body that would take a responsible role in overseeing the activities of lubricants producers and ensure that not only the interests of consumers are protected but also help provide a fair and level playing field for competition.  Since then we have had very positive feedback not only from UK industry members but also from many and diverse sources both home and abroad.  This also coincides with a new “market survey” initiative from ATIEL, with results to be published imminently, all underlining the fact that both VLS and our timing is right.

VLS currently has nineteen paid-up members who range across small, medium and large producers, including the additive industry.  At the present time, VLS are handling a number of reported cases, testing the VLS processes and methodology with positive results. On completion, the results of current cases will be published; leading to what we all hope will be an improved situation for producers and consumers alike.

However, this is only part of the story because contacts throughout the industry, including additive and base oil suppliers, are commenting on positive signs of change in the industry with noticeable increases in demands for approved and higher quality products emanating from a much wider range of industry participants. Signs are out there that a change of attitude is happening with respect to product integrity which is all part of the big picture and a strong indicator of the impact VLS is having in the UK lubricant market.  More updates to follow.

Andy Dixon, Q8

Chair, VLS (UK) Ltd Supervisory Board

22nd April 2014