Biolube Inc: Pioneering Safer, Smarter Lubrication For The Lumber Industry
At Biolube Inc., headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN, innovation meets practicality to revolutionize the hardwood and softwood lumber industries. Under the leadership of CEO Kelly Johnson, Biolube has become a trusted name in manufacturing high-performance lubricants and spray systems that tackle pitch buildup, reduce tool wear, and enhance operational efficiency. From band saws to moulders, Biolube’s engineered solutions are transforming sawmill productivity worldwide with a commitment to safety, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
The partial crew of Fort Wayne, IN-based, Biolube includes from left to right: Kelly Johnson, Deb Johnson, Erica Dangler, Jason Ward, Courtney Schinn and Kathy Minnich.
Biolube’s product lineup, manufactured entirely at its Fort Wayne facility, includes lubricants for green wood cutting, resaws and moulder beds, as well as coolants for blade sharpening and cleaners for pitch removal. “Our products are designed to extend blade life, allowing mills to cut all day without excessive wear,” Johnson explained. The company’s flagship Lubie lube line, paired with the LubeMaster 1000 spray system, is tailored for applications ranging from narrow band saws to 14-inch systems.
Kelly Johnson, along with Lab Manager Jason Ward and Lab Technician Rieley Jayne, are pictured in the laboratory where their research and testing is conducted.
The LubeMaster 1000, an upgrade from the Spray Master 900, incorporates advanced safety features like 150-psi certified tanks and pressure relief valves. “Every LubeMaster 1000 comes with a complimentary drum of Lubie lube,” said Johnson, who also noted that existing customers can receive rebates when upgrading from older systems. This focus on safety sets Biolube apart in an industry where diesel fuel, a common but hazardous lubricant, remains a competitor. “For every two gallons of diesel used, our customers can achieve the same results with just a quarter gallon of Lubie lube. This reduces costs, eliminates diesel’s noxious fumes, and lowers fire risks with our higher flash-point products,” stated Johnson.
The Lubie® Lubricants in this image are made in the U.S.A. and available in various sizes.
One customer’s switch to Biolube’s moulder bed lubricant illustrates the impact.
A company representative explained that by replacing their previous product, they cut lubricant costs by 50 percent and eliminated daily downtime for cleaning dust collection systems. “They saved an hour and a half of production time daily, avoiding shutdowns for 200 employees — that translated to $2 million in annual savings,” added Johnson.
Customer satisfaction is at the core of Biolube’s operations. The company supports its clients through a robust distribution network, partnerships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and direct engagement. “If a distributor or OEM can’t resolve an issue, customers can call us directly, and we’ll handle it immediately,” Johnson emphasized. Biolube also oversees installations and ships globally, from New Zealand to North America, with OEMs integrating LubeMaster systems into new saws. “Customers can unpack and have the system running in under an hour,” he added.
The drums of Biolube Lubie saw lubricants are securely shrink-wrapped on pallets and prepared for shipment to customers worldwide.
Quality control is another pillar of Biolube’s success.
Lab manager Jason Ward explained how they “follow ISO 9001:2015 standards and retain samples from every batch for a year to ensure consistent quality.” This rigorous process underscores Biolube’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performing products.
Founded by George Barker and Bob Pennycoff, who retired in 2021, Biolube is now led by co-owners Kelly Johnson and Erik Bailey. Johnson, with 33 years of lubricant manufacturing experience, fosters a family-oriented culture. “Many of our employees have been with us for over 15 years, and we encourage family members to join our team,” he said.
Containers of Biolube’s rugged Spray Master 1000 that are shown here have been hand-assembled and are ready to be shipped.
This ethos extends to Biolube’s recent hire of Steve Anderson as West Coast sales manager. He is tasked with expanding the company’s presence in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and California. Anderson’s expertise in the softwood industry strengthens Biolube’s mission to “quit your pitching” with products like the LubeMaster 1000 and Lubie line.
“With a focus on innovation, safety and customer-driven solutions, Biolube continues to set the standard for lubrication in the lumber industry,” commented a company representative. To learn more, contact Biolube at 260-414-9633 or visit biolube1.com.
Biolube’s rugged Spray Master 1000 has been designed with safety in mind.
