There are many (good) reasons for attending the annual meeting of the NLGI. Technical papers, panel discussions, committee meetings, education programmes, the CLGS exam, social events and, in my opinion, most importantly, opportunities for networking. At this year's meeting in Colonial Williamsburg I had the pleasure of meeting with many of our customers, present and potential, with suppliers, with competitors, end users and OEMs, universities, governmental authorities, consultants and, of course many old friends. One of the most exciting features of such a meeting is the international perspective and I really enjoyed meeting people from all different parts of the world, not only from Western Europe and the United States but also from India, Japan, Australia, the Ukraine .. and Venezuela. What's it like running a grease plant in South America today? I also heard a new buzz phrase, "the Chavez effect" where, in the USA, companies and individuals are reacting to the political "anti-Bush" climate in South America through a boycott of not only products but also of any company and or brand names owned by, or in any way associated with, the Chavez regime. And this is actually causing a significant loss of business and market shares. So, in our world of constant divestment and mergers within the lubricants industry, what will the next company to be closed down or up for sale? Could it be a refinery .. or even a grease plant? Keep your eyes and ears open for the next chapter of "grease, the soap". Anybody willing to make a bet?

 Posted 25.06.2008