David Valentyne, aftermarket sales manager at TotalEnergies Marketing UK, takes us through the company’s approach to British manufacturing.
2025 marked 55 years of TotalEnergies manufacturing in the UK at its Ferrybridge plant in Yorkshire, with the company continuing to bring together lubricant technology, unrivalled OEM coverage and supply chain reliability to deliver a premium range of products that the aftermarket can trust.
In 2020, TotalEnergies celebrated its 50th anniversary at Ferrybridge, the blending plant in Yorkshire which it acquired from TH Newsome back in 1970. In this time, TotalEnergies has significantly invested in Ferrybridge, and its almost 100-strong team, which produces premium lubricant products supplied into the UK aftermarket both directly through TotalEnergies channels – including its network of service stations – and its trusted partners.
Workshops are dealing with an increasingly complex lubricant landscape. New sequences are emerging – the ACEA currently defines 12 – while OEM requirements are constantly evolving in line with new models and modern engine technologies. Lubricant technology is accelerating too, with a huge range of viscosity labels covering engine types and working conditions.
TotalEnergies recognises this challenge, with the Quartz range providing coverage across 99.9 per cent of the UK car parc.
70 years of R&D
TotalEnergies has seven decades of research and development experience and over 130 researchers working across global R&D centres.
This relentless focus on innovation is why Quartz lubricants are approved by leading carmakers including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Renault, Volkswagen, Porsche and many others, and recommended for use by many others.
Modern engines are smaller, hotter and more highly stressed than ever before. TotalEnergies’ Age-Resistance Technology helps them stay cleaner and perform for longer. By forming a resilient oil film that protects against wear, oxidation and sludge, the technology provides outstanding durability even under stop-start or hightemperature conditions.
Meanwhile, Eco-Science Technology, developed for the Quartz Xtra range, targets efficiency head-on. In ACEA testing, Quartz Ineo Xtra Dynamics 0W-20 achieved up to a 4 per cent fuel-economy improvement versus the industry reference standard, while maintaining oil stability up to 15 times higher than standard limits.
Sustainability is now intrinsic to the lubricant lifecycle – from raw materials to packaging. TotalEnergies has committed significant investment in circularity, spearheaded by Quartz EV3R.
Quartz EV3R products were the first engine oils on the market formulated with up to 100 per cent regenerated base oil (RRBO). Through advanced re-refining processes, used oils are given a second life while maintaining equivalent performance to virgin base stocks. With robust OEM approvals – EV3R is proof that environmental progress and engine performance can go hand-in-hand.
New tools to support garages
TotalEnergies complements its lubricant range with digital tools developed specifically for busy workshops:
LubConsult – an online recommendation platform that allows garages to instantly identify the correct oil for any make and model, reducing the risk of mis-fill and improving service efficiency.
LubPilot – a smart tank monitoring system enabling distributors and workshops to track lubricant levels remotely, helping avoid shortages and optimise reordering.
MyLubPortal – a centralised digital platform for order management, stock control and account support, designed to make working with TotalEnergies faster and more efficient.
From its UK blending plant to global R&D centres and wider supply chain, TotalEnergies continues to combine local footprint with global innovation. With the Quartz range providing OEM approved assurance and the long-term savings that come from advanced engine protection and reduced environmental impact, TotalEnergies’ commitment to UK manufacturing delivers premium solutions that workshops and their customers can rely on.
