BASF India Ltd : BASF expanding mobile emissions catalysts production capacity in India

• Supports automotive and motorcycle manufacturers in India and ASEAN markets

• Rising demand due to new and increasingly stringent emissions regulations and global market growth

• New production lines slated to start up in 2015

• 300 employees at full capacity

Chennai, India - December 12, 2013 - BASF Catalysts India Private Limited ("BASF") is expanding its mobile emissions catalysts production capacity in Chennai, India. 

Construction of a new 47,000 square meter facility will begin in December 2013, enhancing the company's existing emissions catalysts operation in Chennai with new production lines and manufacturing capabilities. Startup is planned in the first quarter of 2015.

Upon project completion, a total of nine manufacturing lines will be housed in the new operating site, producing light duty, heavy duty and motorcycle emissions control catalysts to meet growing market demand and customer technology needs. Once operating at full capacity, the site is expected to employ approximately 300 people.

"The pending expansion of Bharat Stage IV1 (Euro IV equivalent) emissions control regulations in India combined with overall vehicle production growth will drive a significant increase in demand for our advanced emissions control solutions," said Anup Kothari, Vice President, Mobile Emissions Catalysts Asia Pacific. "BASF is investing to more than double our manufacturing capacity in India to help customers meet these emerging needs.  At the same time, this expansion project will allow us to establish Chennai as our regional production hub to serve the fast-growing motorcycle manufacturing markets in India and ASEAN."

The expansion activity in Chennai will provide the necessary equipment and infrastructure to address the technology pathways developed with customers for BS IV compliant applications. In addition to existing catalysts technologies such as the TWC (Three-Way Catalyst), DOC (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst) and CSF (Catalyzed Soot Filter), the advanced SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology system will also be locally manufactured, ensuring world-class heavy duty diesel production capabilities in the region. 

"BASF is committed to driving forward innovative and sustainable solutions to the environmental challenges facing our society," said Dr. Raman Ramachandran, Chairman, BASF Companies in India & Head South Asia. "In the past, BASF has successfully delivered advanced emissions control catalysts for cars, trucks and motorcycles to customers in India and throughout South Asia. The expansion project further demonstrates our strong commitment to achieving ambitious growth in the region, and our focus on delivering effective solutions to leading OEMs to prepare them for future challenges."

BASF's core mobile emissions control technologies:

• TWC (Three-Way Catalyst): removes HC (hydrocarbons), CO (carbon monoxide) and NOx (nitrogen oxides) from gasoline vehicles.

• DOC (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst): removes HC (hydrocarbons) and CO (carbon monoxide) and some PM (particulate matter) from diesel vehicles.

• CSF (Catalyzed Soot Filter): traps PM (particulate matter) and then uses a patented catalytic technology to help oxidize it.

• SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction): converts NOx (nitrogen oxides) into water and nitrogen with the use of a urea solution.

1 Bharat Stage III/IV are emission standards instituted by the Government of India to regulate the output of air pollutants from automobiles including two wheelers. The standards and the timeline for implementation are set by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in consultation with various stakeholders. Since 2010, Bharat Stage IV (Similar to Euro IV) emission norms for 4-wheelers has been implemented in 13 major cities in the country and Bharat Stage III (Similar to Euro III) in the rest of the country.

About BASF's Catalysts Division

BASF's Catalysts division is the world's leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts. The group offers exceptional expertise in the development of technologies that protect the air we breathe, produce the fuels that power our world and ensure efficient production of a wide variety of chemicals, plastics and other products, including advanced battery materials. By leveraging our industry-leading R&D platforms, passion for innovation and deep knowledge of precious and base metals, BASF's Catalysts division develops unique, proprietary solutions that drive customer success. Further information on BASF's Catalysts division is available on the Internet at www.catalysts.basf.com.

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. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

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