Petrol Ofisi Group, the leader in the fuel, lubricant and chemicals market, is one of Turkey's largest energy infrastructure groups. With more than 2,700 stations, it has Turkey's largest fuel station network and meets all fuel needs of air, sea and land vehicles. It also distinguishes itself in the sector as an integrated group with a storage capacity of 1.5 million cubic meters, 18 airport refueling units and a 220,000-ton lubricant production facility.
Turkey's largest mineral oil sector laboratory and one of the world's leading facilities: POTEM
Petrol Ofisi Grubu, leader in the fuel, mineral oil and chemicals market, is one of Turkey's largest energy infrastructure groups. With more than 2,700 stations, it operates Turkey's most extensive fuel station network and meets all fuel requirements for aircraft, maritime and land vehicles. The group differentiates itself in the sector through its 1.5 million cubic metre storage capacity, 18 airport refueling units and 220,000-tonne mineral oil production facility.
Located in the mineral oil factory in Kocaeli Derince and among the sector's most advanced facilities, Petrol Ofisi Technology Centre (POTEM) operates across approximately 750 square metres of enclosed space. In terms of volume, scope, technological infrastructure and qualified human resources, it is considered Turkey's largest and one of the world's leading laboratories. Registered as an R&D centre by the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology this year, POTEM provides research and development, quality control and analysis services to all sectors of industry and automotive, agriculture, public institutions and numerous domestic and foreign companies, including global giants.
One of the world's laboratories with the broadest accreditation in the mineral oil field, the facility had 83 test accreditations in 2020 and now holds over 200 test accreditations. This enables accurate and reliable reporting in line with international standards. POTEM's recognition as a referee laboratory stems from this accreditation strength.
Innovation hub
With annual test capacity of 300,000 tests and strong infrastructure, POTEM is key to Petrol Ofisi Grubu's development of innovative products for both domestic and international markets. The facility, focused on developing high-efficiency and equipment-life-extending technologies, recently developed a mould oil product family that achieved such distinctive and successful results that a patent application was filed for the product. Areas concentrated on in product development typically address tribological needs such as friction reduction, energy efficiency and fuel savings, and solutions to increase sustainability and reduce carbon footprint.
"Tailor-made" solutions
Maxima and Maximus oils produced using the Adaptech technology developed here stand out in the sector for their energy efficiency and environmentally friendly properties. Furthermore, collaborations are carried out with global brands such as Chevron and Texaco, and "tailor-made" solutions are developed for OEM partnerships such as ISUZU, KIA, Subaru, Hidromek and Volvo. These special formulations enhance product quality and reliability. Examples of these solutions include products such as hydraulic oils, greases and compressor oils that can operate in very cold or very hot conditions and are produced here.
It is anticipated that demands for special products will increase over time along with technological advances and changes in machinery and equipment. In addition, cooling fluid, gear oil and grease products launched for electric vehicles serve to ensure comfortable and convenient use of current vehicles on the market. POTEM's possession of strong infrastructure to meet these specific needs makes a significant contribution to Petrol Ofisi's competitive strength. The centre plans to continue research and development in critical areas that will contribute to tribology activities carried out in our country.
Domestic R&D, global impact
In addition to the pioneer services it provides domestically, the facility successfully represents Turkey abroad. Petrol Ofisi Grubu currently exports to 33 countries in our region and Europe. None of these countries has an R&D centre of this scale. For example, in a cold climate like Kazakhstan or in very hot locations like Libya, product requirements are met with formulas developed here. Therefore, POTEM is rapidly moving towards becoming not only Turkey's but also the region's most important and comprehensive R&D hub.
Strength from women
As Petrol Ofisi is a group that values women's employment and supports their careers, this approach is reflected in POTEM as well. The entire staff of engineers and scientists is comprised of women. In other words, women scientists and engineers manage the sector leader's R&D hub. As a centre that encourages qualified employment and places priority on preventing brain drain, POTEM is also a pioneer in the employment world.
For more information, visit Petrol Ofisi Grubu's website.
Sevda Atar
R&D and Laboratories Manager
R&D and Laboratories Manager
POTEM
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