Exol Lubricants announces promotion of Luke Abley to Operations Director

Exol Lubricants has announced the promotion of Luke Abley to the role of Operations Director, recognising his significant contribution to the company’s operational growth and continued success.

Abley has played a pivotal role in the evolution of Exol’s manufacturing and logistics capabilities over the years, helping to transform operations to meet the demands of a rapidly changing market. His leadership has been instrumental in the introduction and expansion of the company’s small pack production lines, which have become a core asset of the business.

Demand for smaller pack sizes has increased dramatically over the years, particularly in the automotive sector. When Luke first joined the company, small pack production represented only a small proportion of output. Today, it accounts for much more, supported by four advanced filling lines capable of producing over 500,000 boxes per year. This investment has enabled Exol to react quickly to market needs while maintaining the high quality and service standards its customers expect.

Abley is also overseeing the expansion of Exol’s Wednesbury warehouse facilities, increasing stockholding capacity and creating additional space to support both staff and operational efficiency. His focus on scalable processes and infrastructure has ensured the business can continue to grow sustainably.

A key factor in Exol receiving the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade last year was the strength of its export operations – an area where Abley’s management of order processing and operational efficiency proved critical in supporting international customers and maintaining reliable supply chains.

Abley commented: “When I look back at the business when I first started compared to now, it’s very different – in a good way. The variety of products we produce and the volumes we achieve today would have once seemed impossible. The installation of our small pack filling lines was a real milestone, and they remain a key part of our future growth. I’m delighted to move into my new role as the business heads towards its next stage of success.”

Steve Dunn, Sales and Marketing Director at Exol Lubricants added: “Luke’s promotion to Operations Director is well deserved. His forward-thinking approach, technical understanding and ability to adapt operations to changing market demands have been fundamental to our success. We look forward to his continued leadership as Exol moves into its next phase of growth.”