BASF India has opened its large production facility in Dahej, Gujarat, India, today. With a total investment of € 150 million (Rs 1,168 crore), the facility is the largest single investment of BASF in India.

The site was opened by Anandiben Patel, prime minister of Gujarat, Saurabhbhai Patel, minister of finance, energy and petrochemicals of Gujarat, and Michael Heinz, member of the Executive Board of BASF SE, together.

Heinz said: "The strengthening of our production platform in India is part of our investment plans for the Asia-Pacific region, in which we want to invest more than € 10 billion (Rs 77,870 crore)  between 2013 and 2020. The new location in Dahej will enhance our position as a local production suppliers and can better meet the needs of our customers. Due to our advanced technologies and the use of our local teams we will both contribute to a large market potential in India."

"With the new facilities, including the first MDI splitter in South Asia, we will increase our competitiveness in this important market in the long term significantly. As far as product quality and quantity, we are able to supply our customers in Asia-Pacific even better, "said Dr Raman Ramachandran, chairman of BASF in India & Head South Asia.

In addition to an integrated production complex for polyurethane products the site also includes equipment for manufacture of ingredients for personal care products as well as for the detergents and cleaners industry and for the production of polymer dispersions. 

With the plant for polymer dispersions BASF is expanding its product portfolio in this area, in addition to the existing plant in Mangalore. From Dahej from customers mainly in North and West India will be supplied.

Part of the integrated P olyurethan- system is an MDI splitter for the production of crude MDI (diphenylmethane diisocyanate), one of the most important products for the production of versatile polyurethane. These are used for example in applications for refrigeration and thermal insulation.

In addition, the Dahej plant will make Elastollan (thermoplastic polyurethanes), Cellasto  (microcellular special elastomer), and polyurethane systems to cater to the automotive  industry among others. 

Photograph (L-R): Gujarat chief minister, Smt. Anandiben Patel (centre) along with Michael Heinz, Member of the Board of Executive Directors (to her right) and Dr Raman Ramachandran, chairman, BASF companies in India and Head South Asia (extreme right) unveiling the plaque announcing the inauguration of BASF's single largest investment in India - the Dahej Site on October 7, 2014.