OREANDA-NEWS. September 03, 2012.   BASF has opened its first production plant for dispersions in South Africa located at Umbogintwini Industrial Complex in Durban. With this new production facility BASF will serve its customers in the fast growing South African and Sub-Saharan African coatings and construction industry with acrylic dispersions based on state-of-the-art technologies.

 
South Africa is the largest market for dispersions in Sub-Saharan Africa. “With this new facility, we are well positioned to support our customers’ growth in South Africa and its neighboring countries providing BASF’s high quality, premium service and reliable supply” says Mr. Jacques Delmoitiez, President, responsible for BASF’s business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

 
With its portfolio of specialties, BASF helps customers move towards more environmentally friendly technologies such as reduced Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). This investment reflects BASF’s focus on participating in the strong growth markets in emerging Africa. “South Africa as an emerging market is very attractive for us. By investing into local production of our high-tech acrylic dispersions we can serve our customers in Sub Saharan Africa even more effectively and flexibly”, says Christoph Hansen, Senior Vice President Dispersions for Adhesives and Construction Europe.

 
The BASF Group in South Africa supplies the local industries with a wide variety of products and solutions. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, coatings, dispersions, agricultural products to mining and construction chemicals and emission catalysts. The investment into the production plant for dispersions is part of BASF’s commitment to strengthen its presence in Africa and exploit the vast range of opportunities.