This past year, like most years, was unpredictable in many respects, yet predictable in others. The economy, of course, continued to affect virtually all categories of business, and AMSOIL was no exception. I am happy to report, however, that the company continued to grow in 2009 and we remain strong, stable and on the move. You can expect more of the same in 2010.
In terms of products, we will maintain full throttle on our research and development. At any one time at AMSOIL we have up to a dozen products under review that may or may not ultimately be developed. Careful analysis is done on each to determine its marketability. Performance levels, pricing, potential markets and many other variables are scrutinized to determine a product’s feasibility. The ultimate goal, as always, is to develop products that bring benefits to consumers and profits to our Dealers. This we will do.
As the lubricant industry becomes increasingly more complicated with the addition of more regulations, service classifications and equipment refinements, AMSOIL will remain at the cutting edge. Our willingness and ability to adopt new technologies and push performance parameters to the limit set us apart from other companies. For example, an emission policy recently passed down by the Environmental Protection Agency that demands a reduction in carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides emitted by small, off-road gasoline engines will require changes in motor oil formulations.
Other companies will set their sights on the minimum standards, solely to satisfy the EPA mandate.
AMSOIL, on the other hand, will develop products that excel in those applications, including outboard motors, lawn mowers, personal watercraft and all other non-road small engine equipment. Similarly, and on an even larger scale, the ILSAC GF-5 passenger car motor oil specification, which is scheduled for implementation in 2011 and is designed to help original equipment manufacturers meet EPA regulatory requirements, will require the development of more sophisticated motor oils. This works to the benefit of AMSOIL. While other companies may struggle within the confines of their cost/ profit restraints, AMSOIL will develop formulations that exceed GF-5 specifications and maintain AMSOIL standards. We will continue to work closely with our suppliers and select only those technologies that yield the absolute best results in terms of quality and performance.
It doesn’t matter what the challenge is. Whether it’s a regulation imposed by a government agency, a performance issue encountered through equipment design or an obstacle kicked up by an unstable economy, AMSOIL will remain on track. And Dealers can be assured that AMSOIL will continue to provide those components that are absolutely essential to creating and maintaining a highly profitable business opportunity.
First and foremost is the high quality of our products. Beyond that is the stability of this company.
Any potential AMSOIL Dealer can look at our longstanding stability and determine immediately that the business opportunity we provide offers real, absolute potential. Second, we make no outrageous promises, but can guarantee that hard work and dedication can translate directly to Dealer success.
Finally, is training. Whether through our website, printed materials, AMSOIL University, personal contact with corporate staff members or any other resource we provide, any Dealer has access to the education necessary to succeed in his or her AMSOIL business.
As we look ahead now to 2010, I can confidently say to all Dealers that the only real limitations they have are those they create for themselves. This company will continue to grow, and we can all look forward to another challenging, yet successful year.