Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Universal Lubricants Surpasses Major Production Milestone

Blazing the trail for a green motor oil revolution-Universal Lubricants, America's only true closed loop oil re-refiner, announced today that it has a surpassed a major milestone: the 5 million gallon production mark of ECO ULTRA recycled motor oils for 2011, alone.

by Staff
August 17, 2011
3 min to read


Blazing the trail for a green motor oil revolution-Universal Lubricants, America's only true closed loop oil re-refiner, announced today that it has a surpassed a major milestone: the 5 million gallon production mark of ECO ULTRA recycled motor oils for 2011, alone.

Ad Loading...

"This 5 million gallon landmark is not only a testament to company efforts, but the transformational shift in mindset of the American consumer," said John Wesley, chief executive officer of Universal Lubricants. "Drivers and businesses across America are realizing that their actions, however small, have huge potential to collectively impact our nation's environmental and economic well-being. By choosing ECO ULTRA® for your next four-quart oil change, you reduce our country's dependency on foreign oil by two barrels-that's really something. As such, by celebrating this 5 million production milestone, Universal Lubricants actually commemorates these seemingly small, individual efforts which in the aggregate have cut America's need for oil by 10 million barrels this year."

Ad Loading...

Yet, today's announcement also recognizes how much progress remains to be made. The U.S. produces approximately 1.3 billion gallons of used oil each year, only 10 percent of which is re-refined. The rest of the used oil is either improperly disposed of (damaging the environment) or burned as an industrial fuel, diminishing our reserves of a finite natural resource. Dedicated to reversing this trend, Universal Lubricants has distinguished itself as the only "closed-loop" domestic manufacturer of recycled oil. Universal Lubricants collects, re-refines, blends, packages and redistributes its own oil, the ECO ULTRA line, without ever losing guardianship within the chain. Infinitely repeatable, the "closed-loop" is the most sustainable car care practice in existence.

"When compared to motor oil made from crude, ECO ULTRA uses 89-percent less energy and emits 65-percent less harmful greenhouse gases during production," added Wesley. "ECO ULTRA users don't only have confidence in the product they're putting into the vehicles-as ECO ULTRA meets and exceeds the toughest standards for performance and engine protection-but also in the process it was made. Simply, ECO ULTRA exemplifies choice without compromise. For the first time, the right option for the environment and economy is the right option for a car's engine, too. For that reason, I believe it won't be long until Universal Lubricates has reason to applaud another 5 million gallon production milestone."

Utilizing a tightly controlled closed loop process, Universal Lubricants collects used oil from the government and private business such as auto parts stores, dealerships, service stations, and oil change centers across the U.S. The company then transports that oil to one of the world's most technologically advanced re-refineries located in Wichita, Kansas, where it undergoes a state-of-the-art hydro-treating process to remove all of the water, fuel and solvents as well as metals, asphalt flux and other heavy contaminants. The purified high quality Grade II base stock oil is then blended with high performance additives to make API certified ECO ULTRA® products that meet Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) requirements and current vehicle manufacturers' specifications.

For more information about Universal Lubricants' ECO ULTRA products, visit www.ecoultraoil.com.

More Maintenance & Uptime

Split-screen graphic comparing engine hours and mileage, with a glowing 24-hour symbol on the left and a high-mileage vehicle speedometer and odometer on the right.
Remarketing & LifecycleSeptember 22, 2026

Building a Better Vehicle Replacement Model

Meter readings still matter, but engine hours, idle time, maintenance trends, and utilization can help fleets spot costly vehicles before the odometer does.

Read More →
A white work van.
SponsoredSeptember 21, 2026

How JASPER Keeps Fleets Moving and Profitable

Every business decision within fleet management ultimately comes down to financial performance. Investing in dependable replacement powertrain components and responsive support can measurably impact the bottom line.

Read More →
Three Ryder technicians in red shirts hold oversized prize checks after the 2026 Top Tech Championship, with a live band performing on stage behind them.
Maintenance & Uptimeby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 21, 2026

Ryder Honors 2026 Top Technician at 25th Anniversary Skills Competition

Hosted in Nashville, Ryder’s 25th annual Top Technician Skills Competition honored the best technicians across the U.S. and Canada. Top Tech celebrates technician expertise while promoting growth, recognition, and camaraderie. Here are the winners.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Jasper Engines & Transmissions graphic featuring a remanufactured GM 6.6L Duramax L5P/L5D engine for Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and International CV515 trucks.
Maintenance & UptimeSeptember 21, 2026

Jasper Offers GM 6.6L Duramax L5P/L5D Complete Format Diesel Engines

Jasper Engines & Transmissions now offers the remanufactured GM Duramax 6.6L L5P/L5D as a complete format engine for several General Motors and International 2017-2023 HD pickup trucks.

Read More →
Composite image showing two men standing beneath an Armor Equipment sign alongside a close-up of metal wrenches and nuts, representing an equipment service or business acquisition.
Maintenance & Uptimeby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 18, 2026

Armor Equipment Strengthens Minnesota Service Capabilities with Acquisition of Dakota Truck

Armor Equipment has acquired Dakota Truck, a medium- and heavy-duty truck and trailer repair business based in Lakeville, Minnesota. The acquisition adds truck and trailer repair expertise, building on Armor’s expansion into the Upper Midwest.

Read More →
Black SUV positioned inside a UVeye drive-through inspection lane equipped with cameras and scanning hardware at a LaFontaine dealership in Michigan.
Maintenance & Uptimeby Lauren FletcherSeptember 17, 2026

LaFontaine Partners With UVeye to Expand AI Vehicle Inspections in Michigan

LaFontaine is expanding UVeye AI vehicle inspections across Michigan, while UVeye tells Work Truck how the technology can support fleet maintenance and heavy-duty vehicle inspections.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
CMC Tire commercial service truck parked outside an Arizona tire service facility at sunset.
Maintenance & Uptimeby Lauren FletcherSeptember 16, 2026

Les Schwab Expands Commercial Tire Footprint Into Arizona

Les Schwab Tires has expanded into Arizona with two commercial tire locations in Phoenix and Tucson, strengthening its fleet service footprint in the Southwest.

Read More →
Volvo semi-truck with a white box trailer parked beneath highway overpasses, viewed from a loading area with a silhouetted person in the foreground.
Technology & AIby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 15, 2026

Volvo Trucks’ 'Lock and Leave' Software Updates Go Live Across North America

Unattended over-the-air software updates are now available in Volvo trucks across the U.S. and Canada. The new capability lets trucks stay current with the latest software without interrupting operations or requiring a dealership visit.

Read More →
A technician kneels beside a truck wheel holding a wrench, with bold overlaid text reading, “Technician Appreciation What About the Other 51 Weeks?”
Maintenance & Uptimeby Lauren FletcherSeptember 15, 2026

Why Technician Appreciation Can’t Be a Once-a-Year Thought

For fleets trying to keep skilled technicians, recognition cannot begin and end with Technician Appreciation Week. Learn what year-round appreciation really looks like and why the everyday technician experience matters just as much as pay when fleets are trying to keep good people.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Driver uses a smartphone in the foreground while a fleet professional inspects the tires of a commercial truck.
Technology & AIby Lauren FletcherSeptember 8, 2026

How Faster Driver Reporting Can Keep Small Truck Problems Small

When minor damage, warning lights, or equipment issues are reported late, small problems can quickly become bigger maintenance headaches. Conversational AI can help shorten the path from what a driver notices in the field to the person who can act on it.

Read More →