Expansion of BASF in Lemförde

-Construction of new production complex for thermoplastic polyurethane
-Largest single investment in the site’s history



Fifty years after its founding sees BASF Polyurethanes GmbH in Lemförde continuing its success story. With the construction of a new production complex for thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) the enterprise is making the biggest single investment at the site to date. “This project will sustainably strengthen our position as market leader in the specialty plastic TPU and underlines the great importance and future direction of the Lemförde site,” explained the two Managing Directors Dr. Uwe Hartwig and Dr. René Lochtman on the occasion of the groundbreaking ceremony for the new buildings.



The complex will comprise five buildings covering a total area of over 4,500 square metres and reaching up to twenty metres in height. Alongside the production hall fitted with state-of-the-art production technology there will be storage areas, tanks and an office block. Thermoplastic polyurethanes are manufactured for the global market under the brand name Elastollan®. The total investment will run into tens of millions of euros. In the medium term about 20 new jobs will be created. Completion of the new production complex and start of production is planned for the end of 2014.



Dr. Uwe Hartwig, Senior Vice President BASF Polyurethanes Europe and Managing Director of BASF Polyurethanes GmbH, declared: “This investment is part of a global BASF growth strategy and will contribute towards the further expansion of our leading market position. This way we are creating an ideal basis for the success of our customers in the growing market of thermoplastic polyurethane applications.”



“ BASF Polyurethanes ranks among the 20 companies with the highest net sales in Lower Saxony and is one of the market leaders in the field of polyurethane,” stressed Dr. René Lochtman, Spokesperson of the Management Board. “With this investment a distinctive building complex will be created on our site which will be a visible sign for our long-term expansion strategy and the consolidating of the site. A positive signal for the region, our customers and, above all, for our employees.”



The production complex will follow other on-going expansion projects at the BASF site which include the development of a further stretch of land on which the construction of a pilot plant building with a test plant for the development of novel rigid foam polyurethane applications has just been completed . The extending of the research building will continue until at least the latter part of the autumn. Earlier in the year the perimeter fence was moved to enlarge the site from eleven to approximately 25 hectares.



Elastollan®
Elastollan is one of BASF’s most versatile materials with extremely high potential for innovation. The thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) distinguishes itself due to its exceptional combination of properties from elasticity to resistance, and possesses excellent physical properties. This qualifies Elastollan for exacting applications in almost every industry from automotive to sports and leisure, as well as mechanical engineering, in foils and films, cable sheathing, shoes, furniture and instrument panels.



About BASF Polyurethanes

BASF is the leading supplier of Polyurethane Solutions for systems, specialties and PU basic products. With its global network of 39 polyurethane system houses and its comprehensive product and service portfolio, BASF is the preferred partner of its customers in many industries. The BASF brand “PU Solutions Elastogran” represents 50 years of experience of the market and technology leadership for Polyurethane Systems in Europe.



In the extremely service-oriented business of polyurethane systems and specialties, reliable PU experience and competence are crucial. Through its system house network, BASF provides fast local support, from technical service and sales to production and marketing during the development of customized solutions. With its world-scale plants, BASF secures its leading market position in the production of polyurethane basic products in all regions of the world.



Polyurethanes make life more comfortable, safer and more pleasant while helping to save energy sustainably. They contribute towards improved insulation of buildings and more attractive, lightweight design of cars. Producers of shoes, mattresses and household goods as well as sports equipment use the unique advantages of polyurethanes provided with the knowledge and expertise of the polyurethane experts of BASF world-wide. Further information is available on the internet at www.polyurethanes.basf.com.



About BASF
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success, social responsibility and environmental protection. Through science and innovation we enable our customers in almost all industries to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and system solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring healthy food and nutrition and helping to improve the quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF posted sales of about €73.5 billion in 2011 and had more than 111,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com .