BASF breaks ground onUS$61 mln R&D Centre at Thane facility

11-Dec-14

In an effort to increase its footprint in the Asia Pacific region, German chemical company BASF SE this week broke ground on a new innovation campus in its Thane facility, on the outskirts of Mumbai. BASF anticipates huge growth prospect in the region, and is investing 50 mln euros in the new R&D center in Thane, which would be operational in the beginning of 2017. The investment is part of a 10 bln euro investment in the Asia Pacific region by 2020. A significant portion of around 20% would likely to be spend on various ongoing projects in India. The BASF Innovation Campus (Mumbai) will host global research activities and regional and local development activities. Development activities will serve BASF's Performance Chemicals, Care Chemicals, and Pigments & Dispersions businesses. By combining development activities with global research, the campus will foster exchange of know-how and ideas about latest technologies and methods, ensure access to state-of-the-art equipment, and create synergies. ''The Asia Pacific region faces enormous challenges that we address with innovation from chemistry. BASF operates a strong global R&D network, which we will further strengthen with investments in innovation capacities in Asia Pacific. We will not only serve our customers in all industries in the region but also in other regions with global research projects that will be led out of Mumbai,'' said Martin Brudermller, vice chairman of the board of executive directors, BASF SE, and responsible for the Asia Pacific region. ''Along with this important new investment in the BASF Innovation Campus (Mumbai), we are also establishing specialized research facilities in Asia Pacific in the areas of electronic materials, battery materials, catalysis, mining, water treatment, polymers and materials. Step by step, Asia Pacific thus becomes an integral part of our global innovation power.'' ''The BASF Innovation Campus (Mumbai) will bring the best international scientists from India and other parts of the world together into the global BASF R&D Verbund. BASF's global major research platforms, from beginning of 2015 namely Advanced Materials & Systems Research, Bioscience Research, and Process Research & Chemical Engineering, will be active in Mumbai,'' said Harald Lauke, designated president of advanced materials & systems research.