AN INDEPENDENT POINT OF VIEW: The ILMA: an American lubricant manufacturers' association with political influence and clout

Abstract

Independence, nowhere more assiduously nurtured than in America, runs strongly through that country's lubricants manufacturing and marketing business. A report and forecast (page 12) by market researchers Kline & Co, presents an overall picture of good prospects, in which the independent medium and small volume companies, frequently specialists, must claim a reasonable share. This sector of the American lubricants industry is largely represented by the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers' Association (ILMA) whose ex‐president is the author of this article. H. Prescott Bagley II writes from a position of strength, for he is also current president of the White & Bagley company, of Worcester, Massachusetts. This is a division of the Dryden Company which markets Drydene, Oilzum (automotive) and W&B (industrial) lubricant brands, Dryden's major business being in the automotive field. Prescott Bagley's ILMA is comparable in function with the British Lubricants Federation at whose annual dinner at Grosvenor House he is the most regular overseas visitor. And he has usually travelled the farthest to get there. He says that of about 190 independent oil companies trading in the US, some 125 are involved in the manufacture of lubricants and fluids. About respective volumes of business he is diplomatically reticent. But of the independent's corporate achievement he is proud — it adds up to about 30 per cent of the volume of all lubricants sold in America. “It's an impressive piece of business”, he concedes, with just a touch of ex‐presidential trumpet‐blowing on behalf of his obviously healthy and competent ILMA.

Citation

Prescott Bagley, H. (1988), "AN INDEPENDENT POINT OF VIEW: The ILMA: an American lubricant manufacturers' association with political influence and clout", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 40 No. 3, pp. 13-14. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb053375