US – Operating across the automotive, aerospace, construction equipment and machinery manufacturing industries, OPTIS will provide strategic advice, technology, data analytics and practical solutions to generate a competitive advantage by enabling manufacturers of machined parts to enhance the efficiency of their operations and supply chain. The 50:50 joint venture is claimed to be the first such agreement between a lubricant producer and a machining process improvement company.
Former TechSolve vice-president, Machining Technology and Defense Services, Jon Iverson will lead OPTIS as CEO. He commented: “We believe that there is a need right now for OPTIS’ services, due to the competitive and challenging environments in which manufacturers are operating. Companies are under pressure to increase profitability, yet have little time or resource to focus on opportunities for growth.”
The OPTIS board of directors will consist of Castrol and TechSolve representatives. The company will be headquartered at the existing TechSolve premises in Ohio and will be supported by a multimillion-dollar machining laboratory.