When U.S. Lubricants acquired its Houston site five years ago, the property was far from the operation it is today. But U.S. Lubricants President James Williams recalls, “I knew this was a really good commercial, industrial area. It took a little bit of foresight, but I said, this needs something really good, and it might be good for us to get into the Texas market.”
Today, Houston serves as the U.S. Lubricants Gulf Coast hub, complementing existing operations in Wisconsin, Baltimore, and Charlotte. The company’s strategy is to establish regional hubs across the U.S., creating a strong geographic footprint for manufacturing, distribution, and customer service.
The Houston facility, which marked the AEM Manufacturing Express’s 19th stop on its Texas tour, is built for flexibility. Spanning five acres, it’s designed as a multi-use site with tanks, distillation systems, and logistics capacity that allow U.S. Lubricants to pivot as demand shifts. One standout capability is a glycol distillation process that functions like a “mini-refinery inside a machine,” upcycling used antifreeze and refining it into more than 95% pure glycol.
The Houston site reflects U.S. Lubricants’ commitment to responsible growth. By reclaiming materials that might otherwise be discarded, the facility helps reduce waste and limit environmental impact, turning byproducts into inputs that support reliable supply and long-term customer value. As the company expands its network of hubs, Houston offers a blueprint for integrating sustainability directly into manufacturing and distribution.
In the past year, the facility has already evolved beyond recycling. When a major customer required lubricant supply out of Houston, the company began distribution directly from the site. Now, on-site manufacturing is being added, and a fleet of newly ordered trucks will close the logistics loop. The facility was intentionally designed with this adaptability in mind, allowing it to layer on capabilities as opportunities emerge.
Parent company U.S. Venture has a strong philanthropic tradition, raising more than $5 million annually for poverty-fighting initiatives. That same spirit of giving is extended locally. “As we expand, we build those same connections wherever we go,” Williams said. “In Houston, we’re in the process of identifying the right partners so we can give back in the same way.”
While Houston is still early in its development compared to other hubs, it represents a major step in U.S. Lubricants’ expansion strategy. With glycol refining, new lubricant manufacturing, and logistics capabilities already coming online, the site is validating its potential as the Gulf Coast anchor.
The long-term vision is clear: build a national network of regional hubs, each tailored to its market. Houston is proving the model works, and more hubs are on the way. On this Manufacturing Express stop, it was easy to see why Williams is confident: “This is just the beginning. Next time you come back, we’ll be even bigger.”
