BASF to Build its 1st Plant for Production of DMAPA & PEA in Nanjing, China

Ludwigshafen, Germany and Shanghai, China -- BASF will build a new world scale production plant to manufacture specialty amines at its existing wholly-owned site in the Nanjing Chemical Industry Park in China. The plant, which is scheduled to come on stream in late 2015, will have dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) and polyetheramines (PEA) as the main products. With this new facility BASF will further strengthen its global production network. The new plant complements existing facilities in Germany and the U.S. for DMAPA and PEA.

"BASF is a leading supplier of DMAPA and PEA globally, and this investment represents our continued commitment to meet the growing market demand in Asia Pacific," said Sanjeev Gandhi, President of BASF Intermediates division. "Our ability to produce these products within the region will strengthen our supply reliability and better serve our customers with shorter lead time."

"The investment is driven by the increasing consumption of personal care products by the growing middle class in China and in Asia," said Dr. Guido Voit, Senior Vice President, BASF Intermediates, Asia Pacific. "Additionally, the development in the construction, wind energy and coatings industries in China and other emerging countries in Asia will increase demand for PEAs."

DMAPA is mainly consumed in the production of betaines which are used as co-surfactants in personal care products like shampoo and body wash. DMAPA is also used in various other applications including in dye intermediates, lubricant additives, electroplating, coupling agent for rubber and others.

PEA is an intermediate chemicals for epoxy curing agents used in the production of plastics, polyurea coatings, adhesives, reaction injection moulding and wind blade composites. BASF offers polyetheramines under its Baxxodur brand.

BASF has manufacturing capacities for both products at its sites in Ludwigshafen, Germany, and in Geismar, Louisiana.

About BASF Intermediates

The BASF Groups Intermediates division develops, produces and markets a comprehensive portfolio of more than 700 intermediates around the world. Its most important product groups include amines, diols, polyalcohols, acids and specialties. Among other applications, intermediates are used as starting materials for coatings, plastics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, detergents and crop protectants. Innovative inte