BASF signs Memorandum of Agreement to expand Yeosu facility for MDI

16-Jun-11

BASF has signed a Memorandum of Agreement to expand its Yeosu facility for MDI (diphenylmethane diisocyanate). The Yeosu site was established in 1998 and currently has an annual production capacity of 190,000 tons MDI, 160,000 tons TDI (toulene di-isocyanate), and 20,000 tons of CCD (Carbonyl Chloride Derivatives). BASF and other companies will collectively invest a total of KRW 80 billion (approx €50 mln) in Yeosu Industrial Complex between 2011 and 2012, increasing the capacity of the MDI site from its current 190,000 tpa to 250,000 tpa. "This investment will help us secure reliable supply to our customers not only in Korea, but also throughout the Asia Pacific region,” said Wayne Smith. “It demonstrates our strong commitment to the polyurethane industry and to supporting our customers' dynamic growth." "According to our Asia Pacific Strategy 2020, we will invest €2.3 billion in the Asia Pacific region from 2011-2015. With this investment we are supporting the plans of Jeollanamdo Province for rapid and sustainable development. At the Yeosu site, we are producing products that help our customers increase energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions," said Albert Heuser, President, Market and Business Development Asia Pacific for BASF.