VALVOLINE, one of the world's leading producers and marketers of premium quality branded automotive, commercial and industrial lubricants, has announced the appointment of Zafco as its authorized distributor in the UAE. The new partnership will combine Valvoline's superior quality lubricant products, heritage and global know-how with Zafco's strong retail distribution and local presence. Valvoline's aim is to offer superior products with superior service standards to give better value and choice to customers. The agreement between the two companies was signed by Craig Moughler, Valvoline's Senior Vice President, International and Product Supply, and Azim Yusufzai, Chairman of Zafco, at Zafco's global headquarters in Dubai. "This is a key milestone for us in the UAE and the Middle East. Having Zafco represent Valvoline›s family of brands in the UAE will allow us to increase our presence and market share in this important core market. We differentiate ourselves with a ‘hands-on' approach to our business and with this partnership, we will be hands-on to provide Valvoline's excellent products along with outstanding service to our customers, offering them better value and choice," said Anwaar Shami, General Manager & Regional Sales Director, Valvoline Middle East & Africa. Valvoline celebrated its 150th year of operations in 2016, making it the oldest trademarked engine oil brand in the United States. The brand has since built its reputation on producing a range of dedicated and specialized products for both passenger and heavy-duty vehicles, including engine oils, transmission and gear oils, coolants and hydraulics lubricants. The products are designed to improve performance, reliability and lifespan for vehicles and equipment and are currently marketed and used in more than 140 countries worldwide, by millions of satisfied customers. Valvoline continues to invest in developing global brand awareness, which is exemplified by the multi-year agreement signed with Manchester City FC last October, that saw the company become the official Automotive Lubricant Partner of the English football club. Azim Yusufzai, Chairman of ZAFCO, said: «We are excited to add Valvoline to our product portfolio in the UAE market. Using our extensive distribution network, a wide customer base and our own retail business - ZDEGREE; we are confident to make an impact in the lubricant market. Valvoline's brand needs no introduction and has a very vast product portfolio which is apt for this market. Building on each other's strength, we can definitely reach new heights. At present, tires are a major contributor to our revenues but after joining hands with Valvoline, we can foresee the lubricant business contributing significantly, in the years to come." Established in 1993, Zafco is one of the leading distributors of automotive tires and batteries in the Middle East. It also operates internationally across Europe, South East Asia and the US to service the needs of hundreds of customers spread across six continents. In the UAE, it will service cars exclusively with Valvoline through a chain of independent workshops run by its own retail division.
