Company takes the opportunity to launch new metalworking coolant with a promise of more new products in 2026.

Flexilube, a leading South African manufacturer of metalworking fluids, celebrated the company’s key milestones and innovations over the last 40 years on 15 October 2025 with over 200 clients, suppliers, friends and staff. The celebration, which was themed around the famous Oktoberfest, took place at the company’s Meyerton, Gauteng factory. Among the guests were machine tool users and suppliers, as well as those from the cutting tool supply industry.

Paul Linaker, Ingeborg von Knoblauch, Irene von Knoblauch-Dreyer and Anton von Knoblauch all of Flexilube with Bernard Herbert of Axiom Hydraulics in the middle

Irene von Knoblauch-Dreyer, Managing Director of Flexilube and the daughter of founders Ralph and Ingeborg von Knoblauch, welcomed everybody to the special occasion. “Today, we gather not just to mark a significant milestone, but to reflect on the journey that has brought us here – a journey shaped by our proud family heritage, remarkable achievements, and, most importantly, the enduring relationships with customers, partners, suppliers, and friends like you.”

A three-generation legacy
The Flexilube story began in 1951, when Percy and Roswitha von Knoblauch immigrated to South Africa with their young son, Ralph. Percy brought his expertise in lubricants, gained from working for Vacuum Oil Co in Germany, to Johannesburg.

Upon arriving, they established Cera Oil in Denver, Johannesburg. The company quickly outgrew the original premises, leading to the establishment of a new refinery and blending plant in Boksburg. Percy’s son, Ralph, joined in 1962 and, together with his wife Ingeborg, transformed Cera Oil into South Africa’s largest independent lubricants manufacturer. The 1980 launch of Cerafilm STL marked a significant leap in metalworking fluid technology, setting new standards for superior tool life and performance.

Phumzile Maphathe and Hein Nel, both of Sandvik Coromant with Marius Conradie of WD Hearn Machine Tools in the middle

Peet and Amelia Buitendag, Athol Murray and Math Robson all of WD Hearn Machine Tools

The industry landscape shifted in 1981 when Shell acquired a majority stake in Cera Oil, but the von Knoblauch family’s entrepreneurial spirit was undiminished. By 1985 Ralph and Ingeborg had established Flexilube in Meyerton, laying the groundwork for a business that would become synonymous with innovation and quality in metalworking fluids, industrial and automotive lubricants.

Key milestones followed in rapid succession. Flexilube’s RoadRunner automotive oils captured market attention with its catchy slogan, “The oil that outruns them all!”. The company’s foray into retail with OHIO Motor Oils expanded their footprint into motor spares shops nationwide. Notably, Flexilube became the first independent lubricants manufacturer in South Africa to achieve ISO accreditation, a very proud moment for the technical team.

The turn of the millennium saw Flexilube collaborating with leading European additive specialists to develop BioKool, a bacteriastatic soluble metalworking fluid that cemented the company’s reputation for technical leadership. Family involvement remained strong, with successive generations contributing to the company’s evolution, including the establishment of a state-of-the-art QC and R&D laboratory and the founding of EWOR (Environmental Waste Oil Recycling) to focus on sustainable waste oil management.

John van der Merwe of Simmer Engineering, Donovan Traub and Tristan Renaud, both of Frankwen Forge

Alex West, Francois Jacobs and Michael Barnard, all of ISCAR South Africa

“In 2012, we pulled off the ultimate surprise” remarked von Knoblauch-Dreyer, “celebrating Ralph’s 50 years in the lubricants industry. It was a gathering of legends, and the perfect occasion to launch NanoKool RvK, a coolant that set new standards in the metalworking industry, powered by years of research, passion, and a little family magic. The celebration was made even more special by the presence of colleagues and friends who had not seen one another since the Cera days, many of whom travelled from across the globe to be part of this milestone. Old friendships were rekindled as stories were shared and memories relived, reminding everyone of the rich history and enduring bonds within our Flexilube family.”

“At our heart has always been a deep commitment to sustainability,” said von Knoblauch-Dreyer at the anniversary celebration, highlighting Flexilube’s partnership with The ROSE Foundation and the recognition received as Processor of the Year in 2024.

Celebrating our journey together
Sales Director Paul Linaker took a moment to reflect on the people who have shaped the company’s journey and contributed to its success. Addressing the guests, Linaker expressed heartfelt gratitude for the relationships that have been built over the decades.

Jan Labuschagne of Meyerton Engineering, Trudie Joffe of Flexilube and Hector Cameron of Meyerton Engineering

Lee, Brandon and Jason Morris, all of PTF Manufacturing with Mark Whittington of Flexilube

“Throughout this journey, we’ve been blessed with incredible individuals who have had a significant positive impact on our business and contributed to making these milestones possible,” Linaker told attendees. “If only you all knew how proud I feel today, because none of these achievements would have been possible without the enduring support of you, our loyal customers, some of whom have been with us for generations.”

“The company’s growth has been fuelled in large part by word-of-mouth referrals—a testament to the trust and satisfaction of its customer base.”

Linaker emphasised the importance of these relationships, saying: “We sincerely appreciate the continued support of our customers, suppliers, employees, and partners, from those who have recommended our products to their customers, to those who have facilitated our expansion into new markets. Many of these professional relationships have developed into long-lasting friendships.”

Flexilube’s story, Linaker noted, is as much about people as it is about products and innovation. “Each new idea, achievement, and success we mark today reflects your loyalty, commitment, and trust in our company, its products, and services. Our story has always been about more than just what we offer. It’s centred on building lasting relationships, forming partnerships, and evolving alongside incredible people like you.”

Caid Anderson and Darren Hunter, both of Flexilube with Jaco Swart and Deacon Schwartz, both of Ewor

Herbert Herbst, Fredrik Grobler, Aj Burger, all of Secant Engineering

NanoKool Azurite launch: The “multitasking” metalworking fluid
Technical Director, Anton von Knoblauch, introduced NanoKool Azurite, the latest innovation in the NanoKool Metalworking Fluid family.

Presented as a fully synthetic, oil-free coolant, Azurite is engineered for high-performance industrial applications, promising versatility across a variety of metals and machining operations. Anton von Knoblauch highlighted that Azurite is specifically designed to enhance productivity and reduce maintenance costs, meeting the needs of modern manufacturing environments. The product’s no-foam formulation and high lubricity make it particularly effective for tough alloys and high-pressure spindle systems, reducing the need for multiple products in the workshop and simplifying operational complexity.

A focus on operator safety and environmental impact is central to Azurite’s development. The formula ensures a cleaner workshop environment, free from unpleasant odours, thanks to its eco-friendly composition. Its stable pH and robust bio-resistance protect both equipment and components, helping to prevent corrosion and reduce machine downtime. The coolant’s crystal-clear appearance and compatibility with both hard and soft water are additional user-friendly features that streamline day-to-day operations.

Andries Britz of Anbri with Johan Neveling of WD Hearn Machine Tools

Deo Nyembwe, Zulfikar Mirza, Lerato Seabi, Shaun Green and Matimba Maluleke, all of Insimbi Alloy Supplies

Field trials reported significant improvements, with notable increases in tool life and reductions in consumption rates. “NanoKool Azurite isn’t just a coolant – it’s a partner in your pursuit of productivity, safety, and sustainability. It’s these features, woven together, that allow you to focus on what really matters: achieving peak components output whilst minimising costs and complexity,” affirmed von Knoblauch.

Flexilube’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and family pride. As the company looks ahead to future innovations, its legacy – built on three generations of expertise and enduring relationships – continues to shape the South African metalworking landscape.

For further details contact Flexilube on TEL: 016 362 0343 or 082 655 9999 or mail your enquiry to paul@flexilube.com or visit www.flexilube.com