The Caldic LATAM team received the ‘Best Supplier Award’ from Iconic, one of the largest lubricant manufacturers in Brazil. It’s a remarkable achievement, but one that came with challenges. In fact, three years ago, our partnership was put to the test.
Cicero Morais, Sales Manager at Caldic LATAM, recalls the tense conversation he had with Iconic’s representative when he had newly joined the organization: “I was looking for projects that could use a fresh push, and that’s when I found the Iconic file, which had not been picked up yet. I knew I had to speak with them and find a way to support their needs.”
The project in question involved the production of a highly specialized lubricant used in the ignition systems of agricultural machinery. It had been put on hold due to complex production requirements and a potential infrastructure investment.
“It wasn’t just about restarting the project,” Cicero explains. “It was about proving that we could deliver it without causing delays or adding costs. That meant taking a different approach – one that ensured total alignment between every team.”
Cicero spearheaded the effort, rallying commercial, operational, and quality teams to build a single, unified proposal. “Everyone had to be on the same page for every step across the workflow. There could be no room for friction or delay.”
Instead of building new infrastructure, the team optimized its existing capabilities. Raw materials were received and blended in-house, regulatory standards were meticulously met, and the final product was delivered with excellence.
“It took nearly six months to get everything operational,” Cicero says. “But once we had a model in place, it opened doors to more projects.” These included a transformer oil and a lubricant used for calibrating diesel vehicle pumps and injectors.
Looking back, Cicero sees the early roadblocks as a critical turning point. “What started as a stalled project became a study in agility and teamwork.” And Iconic took notice. That recognition came in the form of back-to-back awards in 2023 and 2024. For Cicero, it was an acknowledgement of all the people who were behind the effort.
It’s a validation for every person who contributed to this project and made it better than it had to be, who worked hard to turn a challenge into a success story.
Industrial machinery and precision equipment depend on the right lubrication and greases. Caldic sources advanced lubricant additives and collaborates on formulation to enhance durability, efficiency and sustainability. We help reduce friction, extend equipment life, and support sustainable industrial operations.
