Total Lubrifin, controlled by the fourth biggest petroleum group in the world – Total (France), saw losses worth 1.7 million euros (6.2 million RON) in 2005, the company’s first operational year, according to data from the Official Gazette. Total entered a partnership with the lubricant manufacturer Lubrifin Brasov last year to set up Total Lubrifin, where the French hold a 51% stake. Total Lubrifin posted a turnover worth 5.8 million euros (20.9 million RON) in 2005. Company representatives could not be contacted by the time this issue was ready for print. Brasov-based Total Lubrifin is strategically located in the “heart” of Central and Eastern Europe and was created to contribute and boost the French giant’s regional lubricant and grease business aimed at the automotive and industrial sectors. Total Lubrifin sells products under brands of both partners, with a grease production facility set to be completed this year, an investment estimated at a few million euros, located close to Brasov.