BASF to expand its polyurethane systems and specialties business in Brazil

31-Oct-11

BASF has announced that it will invest to expand its polyurethane (PU) systems and specialties business in Brazil. The production facilities for PU systems, polyols, TPU and Cellasto® will be enlarged and established at BASF’s Verbund site in Guaratinguetá. Also, a new development and technical service center will be opened at BASF’s Demarchi site in order to create a world class facility to support the company's customer and market development activities. Due to spacial restrictions these expansions cannot be realized at the Mauá site. “With this investment, BASF will secure the long term future of our Polyurethane business in South America. It also underlines our leading position in the global polyurethanes market”, says Wayne T. Smith, President of BASF’s polyurethanes division. “We will be in the position to better serve our customers in the polyurethanes market in Brazil and to help make them more successful.” Anton Traunfellner, BASF’s Managing Director for Polyurethanes in South America, adds: “We want to grow our business profitably in South America and will utilize in both the Guaratinguetá and Demarchi sites the existing structure of BASF with excellent Verbund benefits and logistics. As a consequence we can offer optimal development services and best quality products to our customers.” The Brazilian polyurethanes market is mainly driven by industries in the furniture, footwear, appliances and transportation segments.