ILMA Denounces Smitty’s Supply, Steps Up Compliance Testing
In light of findings from the Environmental Protection Agency’s inspection of the Smitty’s Supply facility in Roseland, Louisiana, the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA) stresses that the operations at the Smitty’s Supply facility are not representative of the lubricant manufacturing industry.
The Association is also stepping up its product testing for both ILMA members and other producers in the marketplace to help protect consumers, employees and the general public.
The EPA’s inspection last October, which was just publicly released, uncovered hundreds of chemical spills and other hazards, including some 300 unlabeled totes and drums, in areas of the Smitty’s Supply facility that were unaffected by the August 22, 2025, explosion and fire.
“While Smitty’s is not an ILMA member, its operation is a black eye for our industry,” said ILMA CEO Holly Alfano. “As a direct result of how the company chose to do business, countless Smitty’s employees, their families, the surrounding community and the environment continue to suffer. Smitty’s apparent, egregious disregard for safety and regulatory compliance is deeply disturbing.”
“ILMA members pride themselves on adhering to regulations and best practices and operating with integrity,” emphasized ILMA Counsel Jeff Leiter. “The photos alone in the EPA inspection report don’t square with how ILMA members operate their plants.”
The Association runs both ongoing and special education programs to help members stay compliant with regulatory requirements and operate using best practices in areas like workplace safety, environmental protection, business ethics and more. ILMA’s enforceable Code of Ethics helps ensure that all of its members play by the rules.
“Customers who buy from a reputable company – especially an ILMA member company – can trust that they are receiving a quality product that was produced responsibly,” said Greg Julian, chair of ILMA’s Ethics Committee and president of Advanced Lubrication Specialties in Bensalem, Pennsylvania.
ILMA is working with industry stakeholders to expand its product testing in the marketplace to all lubricant manufacturers, as well as increasing testing for ILMA member companies, to ensure they meet industry standards, said Julian. The Association has also engaged consultants from the insurance industry to review best business practices and proper handling and storage of finished lubricants and raw materials.
“ILMA members’ products lubricate everything from manufacturing equipment to household appliances and are essential for efficient and sustainable operation,” said Jim Carroll, ILMA president and executive vice president of Schaeffer Manufacturing in St. Louis, Missouri. “ILMA will continue to support and elevate our industry so its impact is better understood and consumers are better able to avoid bad actors.”