[Atlas] Kennol Group : Slick business through innovation

Caroline Ridet
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“2021 has ended very well for Kennol with a 4.6% increase in volume in the personal vehicle segment", says Vincent Montel, Head of Communication & Marketing at the Armoni-Kennol group.

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"We succeeded in managing large volumes, despite the general turmoil in raw materials that we needed for both our lubricant production and our product filling and packaging.” At the beginning, the shortages had to be overcome. “We delivered to all our clients despite a particularly stretched market, the likes of which we have never experienced before. This meant that we had to buy outside the market, and outside the usual prices, to meet our commitments. But we found solutions: tailor-made.”

Then the resulting surge in global prices. “We applied the famous “whatever it takes” to honour our commitments, at the expense of margins, because unfortunately we were unable to pass on the rises that hit us. We were hoping to see raw material prices fall in December. Unfortunately, they didn’t, but base oils have finally stabilised. The additives are now taking over. Let’s hope that 2022 will be more...calm, and predictable!”

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A responsible approach

The group remains optimistic for 2022 with new markets to develop, particularly abroad, and the release of new products. Another major challenge for this manufacturer is to consolidate its sustainable development initiatives. “Our French factory in Cholet has just been certified ISO 14001. This commitment means that we will continue to pursue high environmental management standards on the factory side, and develop cleaner packaging and products, an area where we are already ahead of the game (“bag in box”, recycled plastic, biodegradable formulation, products for hybrid and electric vehicles, the concept of selling oil loose, etc.).”

Preparing for the future also means factoring in the zero-carbon transition, bearing in mind that electric models do not require lubrication. “We are fortunate to produce both lubricants and liquids, coolants and screen wash in particular, and we are closely monitoring developments in new powertrains.”

Ongoing developments in electric

Kennol is also working on the very first all-electric prototype for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. On this project, the aim is to increase battery life by developing liquids that optimise the time it takes to recharge the battery, the efficiency of its discharge and its resistance to the repetition of the cycle. In the meantime, the lubricant specialist welcomes the arrival of the new generation of ICE vehicles equipped with new sensors “that will detect whether the lubricant put in the engine is the one approved by the manufacturer! This will likely avoid the temptation to “rationalise” incompatible products.” And constitutes another guarantee for the future

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Caroline Ridet
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