How the third generation of Molygraph Lubricants is building innovation, global partnerships and purpose-driven industry impact.
“Small, consistent improvements compound into extraordinary results.”
As a third-generation industry leader, Samarth Shah brings a blend of legacy and forward-thinking leadership to Molygraph Lubricants (Anand Engineers Pvt. Ltd.). Over the past decade, he has led global expansion across Southeast Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa, while transforming the company from a traditional manufacturer into a technology-focused performance solutions provider. In this conversation, he shares his views on industry evolution, emerging technologies, and the mindset required to build meaningful change in India’s lubricants ecosystem.
You represent a legacy organisation — how would you describe your journey and role today?
I currently serve as Director at Molygraph Lubricants, a third-generation family-managed business committed to building performance-driven specialty lubrication solutions. Over the past decade, I’ve focused on expanding Molygraph’s global footprint, modernizing the product portfolio and building long-term partnerships across Southeast Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Africa. My core work now revolves around international business development and brand strategy, steering the company through its next phase of innovation and scale.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the lubricants sector?
Lubricants are the invisible force that keeps the world running—from manufacturing to mobility. The ability to solve real industrial problems and make machinery more reliable has always fascinated me. Carrying forward a 30-year legacy is both a privilege and a responsibility, and that remains a major source of motivation.
What milestone stands out as the most defining in your career so far?
Representing India on international platforms, building strategic collaborations with global partners and leading Molygraph’s transformation from a traditional lubricant manufacturer to a technology-focused performance solutions brand have been among the most fulfilling milestones.
What recent innovations or product breakthroughs are you most proud of?
Some exciting developments include our new-generation open-gear lubricants, advancements in dampening greases for automotive and hardware applications and a high-performance metalworking coolant range designed for advanced manufacturing environments.
How has the lubricants industry evolved in the last decade?
We’ve moved from commodity lubrication to application-engineered solutions. Market expectations have shifted toward synthetic technologies, sustainability-driven formulation and energy savings. Today, conversations are less about price per litre and more about reliability, lifecycle performance and operating efficiency.
Which technologies will define the next 5 years?
The future will be shaped by:
• Smart & sensor-based lubrication systems powered by predictive analytics
• High-performance synthetic base oils and PFPE-based fluids
• Immersion cooling and thermal-management fluids
• Biodegradable lubricants designed for circularity
These innovations will make lubrication far more intelligent, efficient and sustainable.
How do you see sustainability influencing behaviour, formulation and end-use in India?
Sustainability will reshape formulation choices, drain intervals, consumption optimization, and end-of-life practices. Customers will increasingly evaluate lubricants based on total environmental impact – not just procurement price. Carbon footprint, recyclability and energy savings will become key decision drivers.
“Customers are now looking for reliability, efficiency, and lifecycle value—not just a cheaper lubricant.”
Which sectors and applications are showing the strongest growth?
India’s growth is driven by steel, cement, mining, renewable energy, EV components and data-center cooling applications. Demand for cutting fluids and specialty lubricants is accelerating thanks to automation, CNC machining and precision engineering aligned with India’s manufacturing ambitions.
Customers are increasingly looking for:
1. Longer sump life, cleaner machines and lower top-ups
2. Energy-efficient and high-performance products that can handle higher speeds, tighter tolerances and tougher materials
What skills will the next generation of lubrication professionals need?
The most essential capabilities will be application engineering, strong tribology fundamentals, data-driven lubrication management and customer-centric problem solving. The industry needs specialists – not generalists. Certification and structured training will play a critical role in elevating technical credibility.
What strategic advice would you give companies expanding in India?
India is a relationship- and performance-driven market. To succeed, manufacturers must invest in application engineering, training and service – not just commercial penetration. Customers want technical partners, not suppliers.
Why do platforms like the Lubricant India Expo & Summit matter?
Events like these connect the full value chain – formulators, OEMs, technology providers, end-users and policymakers. They accelerate collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation adoption that would otherwise take years.
When industry, academia and policymakers work together, it creates an ecosystem where research becomes practical, innovation becomes scalable and regulation becomes enabling rather than restrictive.
Samarth Shah is Director of Molygraph Lubricants. His work focuses on transforming lubrication from a commodity into a performance-led, sustainability-aligned value enabler for modern industry. Personal growth, fitness and community impact are core to him. He enjoys sports, outdoor challenges, scuba diving, surfing, skiing and movement-based endurance activities. Through their CSR efforts, his organisation supports child development, education and women empowerment, especially in the Palghar region, where many of their workforce live and work.