Laboratory

The FUCHS OIL CORPORATION (PL) Sp. z o.o. Laboratory comprises five specialized departments:

Established in 1994, the laboratory currently employs a team of highly experienced specialists who are actively involved in all aspects of the organization’s operations, with a primary focus on: quality control, research and development, customer support, procurement, chemical safety of products, and user safety.

The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments and technologies that enable precise and reliable testing, as well as multi-stage quality control of raw materials and finished products. With the support of the FUCHS Group, we are capable of conducting a wide range of tests on various types of lubricants, allowing us to deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to the needs of the most demanding clients.

We offer an extensive portfolio of testing services, including chemical, physical, and mechanical analysis of lubricants. Our laboratory collaborates with numerous renowned national and international research institutions and scientific centers, which enables continuous improvement of our testing methodologies and technologies. We regularly participate in interlaboratory proficiency testing, confirming our reliability, expertise, and technical competence.

The Research & Development (R&D) Department is responsible for the development, optimization, and continuous improvement of products and technologies offered by the company. Its activities are focused on innovation, technical advancement, and support for customer-specific solutions. The main objectives of the department include:

• Development of new formulations and technologies: 
  Designing and testing new lubricant formulations and chemical solutions tailored to market needs and emerging technical requirements.

• Optimization of existing products: 
  Enhancing the performance, stability, and cost-efficiency of current products through systematic research and laboratory testing.

• Technical support for customers and internal departments: 
  Providing expert input in solving application-related challenges, customizing products for specific operating conditions, and supporting field trials.

• Collaboration with external partners and institutions: 
  Engaging in joint research projects, participating in industry consortia, and maintaining active cooperation with universities and technical institutes.

• Implementation of sustainability and regulatory requirements:
  Integrating environmental and legal considerations into product development, including compliance withbiodegradability standards, and low-emission technologies.

The Quality Control Department is responsible for ensuring product compliance with technical specifications and quality standards at every stage of the production process. Its core responsibilities include:

• Incoming raw material inspection: 
  Verification of the quality of delivered materials prior to their release for production.

• In-process control of finished products in the mixer: 
  Assessment of physicochemical parameters of products following the mixing process.

• Final inspection of finished products after packaging: 
  Quality evaluation of products prior to shipment to the customer.

All inspections are conducted based on:

• Technical Specification: 
  A document defining quality requirements, scope of testing, and acceptable parameter values.

• Control Plan: 
  Applied to products subject to IATF 16949 standards, specifying the frequency and scope of inspections in accordance with automotive industry requirements.

All laboratory analyses are performed in compliance with current standards.

The Service Laboratory Department is responsible for the analysis of oil samples submitted by customers as part of maintenance and technical support operations. The objectives of these analyses include:

• Monitoring the technical condition of equipment
  Oil analysis enables the detection of component wear, presence of contaminants, and degradation products, which may indicate operational issues.
• Early failure detection
  Identification of abnormalities in oil composition facilitates rapid intervention and prevents more serious machine damage.
• Optimization of maintenance schedules
  Test results allow for planning inspections and oil changes based on actual technical condition, rather than solely on manufacturer recommendations.
• Enhancement of equipment reliability and longevity
  Regular oil analysis supports the maintenance of machinery in optimal technical condition, directly contributing to extended service life.

Customer benefits:

• Improved operational safety
• Reduced maintenance costs
• Extended equipment lifespan
• More effective planning of technical activities
• Support in meeting applicable standards and regulations

The EHS (Environment, Health and Safety) Department undertakes a comprehensive range of activities aimed at ensuring a safe working environment, protecting the health of employees and customers, and minimizing the environmental impact of the company’s operations. Key areas of responsibility include:

• Preparation and updating of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for FUCHS products:
  The EHS Department is responsible for the development and regular revision of corporate product Safety Data Sheets in accordance with current legal requirements.

• Regulatory compliance:
  The EHS Department monitors and ensures compliance with applicable national and international chemical regulations, including REACH, CLP, and other relevant legislative frameworks.

• Market introduction of products: 
  The EHS Department ensures that all FUCHS products introduced to the market meet legal requirements, including proper labeling, documentation, and submission to relevant regulatory authorities.

• Technical support for internal and external stakeholders:
  The EHS Department provides expert assistance in interpreting and fulfilling legal obligations related to the use and manufacture of chemical substances and mixtures, offering professional guidance and responses to inquiries.

• Training and education:
  The EHS Department organizes training sessions and disseminates essential information to employees and customers regarding the handling of chemical substances and mixtures, based on current legal standards.

The Laboratory Quality & Maintenance Department is responsible for maintaining high quality standards within the company’s laboratories and ensuring the operational integrity of the technical infrastructure required for testing and analytical activities. Its scope of responsibilities includes, among others:

• Supervision of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) – Prolab-4 and related interfaces:
  Oversight of the Prolab-4 system and its integrations with other systems, including data transmission from laboratory instruments and system interconnectivity.

• Management of control and measurement equipment:
  This includes identifying, selecting, and procuring laboratory instruments; organizing inspections, servicing, and maintenance; developing schedules for equipment-related activities (e.g., inspections, calibrations, external certifications, legal verifications, internal checks); and administrating equipment-related operations within the Prolab-4 system.

• Procurement for laboratory needs:
  Acquisition of laboratory equipment, reference materials (RM), certified reference materials (CRM), standards, consumables, reagents, regulatory documents, and technical literature.

• Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements applicable to laboratory operations:
  Monitoring and implementation of relevant legislation, regulations, contracts, documentation, standards, and testing methodologies.

• Quality system activities:
  Supporting and maintaining compliance with quality management systems such as IATF 16949 and ISO 9001, as well as environmental, occupational health and safety, and energy management standards including ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 50001 — both within the laboratory and across the organization.