BASF invests more than € 50 million to expand its crop protection production capacity in South America

  • The initiative involves construction of two manufacturing units and expansion of a third in Brazil
  • Investments will create 70 new jobs
  • New plant for biological products opening in Chile

Limburgerhof, Germany and São Paulo, Brazil – June, 10 2013 – BASF today announced more than € 50 million in investments to expand its crop protection production capacities in the Guaratinguetá chemical complex, about 170 kilometers from São Paulo, Brazil. As result, the company will increase local production and formulation capacities of its latest blockbuster products. Another positive consequence of the investments is the creation of 70 new jobs. Furthermore, a new plant for biological products is scheduled to be opened by August this year in Chile. These products will add further value to the portfolio of the company’s recently established business unit Functional Crop Care.

 

“This initiative will considerably enhance local production and build on the investments BASF has made in South America in recent years. It also reinforces our commitment to accelerate business growth in the region through innovation and new technologies,” stated Markus Heldt, President, BASF’s Crop Protection division, on a recent visit to Brazil. Heldt also stressed that after the investment is completed, the company will increase exports of products from Brazil to other BASF units globally. This expansion demonstrates the company’s strategic commitment to strengthening its agricultural solutions segment. “With these investments, we will further balance the production capacity of BASF across the world,” said Heldt.

 

Part of the investment is allocated to the expansion of the manufacturing plant for the fungicide Boscalid. Boscalid is an extremely important active ingredient used to fight diseases in crops such as canola, cereals, coffee, fruits and vegetables. The expansion is planned to be completed by the end of June 2013.

 

Additionally, the company will invest in a formulation plant for its latest fungicide innovation, Xemium®. Xemium® is BASF’s next generation carboxamide, poised to further strengthen the company’s leading position in the fungicide market. The innovative product, which is in its final phase of registration in Brazil, will help growers to control soybean rust and diseases affecting more than 20 crops. The plant is expected to be ready by mid-2014.

 

The Guaratinguetá complex will also receive a new plant investment to formulate Heat®, BASF’s latest blockbuster herbicide which recently received registration in Brazil. The product is part of the Kixor® family of herbicides and highly effective against difficult to control broadleaf weeds, including those that have become resistant to other herbicides. The plant is expected to be ready in the second half of 2014.

 

With these latest investments, the BASF Crop Protection Unit reinforces its strong commitment to deliver innovation and strengthen its position in continuously growing agricultural markets as Latin America.

 

About BASF’s Crop Protection division
With sales of around € 4.7 billion in 2012, BASF’s Crop Protection division provides innovative solutions in crop protection, turf and ornamental plants, pest control and public health. Its portfolio also includes technologies for seed treatment and biological control as well as solutions to manage water, nutrients and plant stress. BASF’s Crop Protection division is a leading innovator that supports growers to optimize agricultural production, improve their business efficiency and enhance the quality of life for a growing world population. Further information can be found on the web or follow us on our social media channels.

 

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.

 

P318/13e