? Dahej chemical project gains momentum ? Start of production on schedule for early 2014? Site to employ 250 people upon completion

Dahej/Mumbai, India - April 15, 2013 - BASF has completed major construction work at its future chemical production site in Dahej, Gujarat. The site will employ around 250 people upon completion, primarily in operations and production. It will also generate indirect job opportunities in the region for contractors and service providers.

The INR 1000 crores project, which broke ground one year ago, marks BASF's single largest investment in India. It will strengthen the company's support to key industries such as appliances, footwear, automotive, construction, architectural coatings and personal care, as well as paper.

Speaking about the project development, Mr. Prasad Chandran, Chairman, BASF Companies in India & Head South Asia, said, "We are committed to ensuring that this project contributes to the growth and development of the local industry, while maintaining BASF's excellent global standards. The new site will strengthen our position in important northern and western markets and also complement the existing manufacturing set up in Mangalore, Ankleshwar and Thane." 

Earthworks and foundation work have now been completed at the site. Infrastructure project and plant structures including the administration building, underground pipelines, warehouses, water tanks and plant buildings are taking shape. Utilities like steam, water and electricity will be installed step-by-step. This also includes waste water, thermal oxidizer and other amenities.

The project has undergone a thorough examination on all aspects of environment, health and safety by internal experts and local authorities. The site's advanced design takes advantage of the latest technologies from BASF facilities around the world. BASF has been successful in maintaining a zero lost-time Injury record at the site.

About BASF in India

BASF has successfully partnered India's progress for over a century, with all global businesses maintaining a local presence in India today, except for oil & gas. BASF in India maintains excellent performance in environment, health and safety, in line with BASF global and internationally accepted standards. On the social front, our community development activities focus on relief and rehabilitation, women's empowerment, education, and improving governance standards. BASF in India has 2,157 employees at nine production sites, 8 sales offices and two R&D centers. In 2012, BASF registered sales of ?1.14 billion to customers in India.

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 with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of ?72.1 billion in 2012 and more than 110,000 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.

Media contact:

Ms. Sonal Shah

Corporate Communications

Tel: +91 22 666 18100

Mobile: +91 22 98205 66922

sonal.shah@basf.com

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