Processes for the manufacture of metal complex grease compositions are provided. In one embodiment, the process comprises: preparing a slurry comprising a base oil, water, a metal base and a complexing agent, wherein the weight ratio of water:solid in the slurry is in the range of from 0.15:1 to 1.5:1; applying shear to the slurry; adding a C10-C24 saturated or unsaturated fatty acid or derivative thereof to effect a saponification reaction; removing water from the saponified product; heating the saponified product at a temperature in the range of from 190 to 230° C.; and subsequently cooling the product to a temperature in the range of from 200 to 150° C. to form the metal complex grease composition.