LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany - BASF is investing to expand its existing production facilities for Basonat^® hardeners at its Ludwigshafen, Germany, site, significantly increasing its local production capacity. By doing so, the company will strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of aliphatic polyisocyanates as cross-linkers for two-component polyurethane coatings (2K PU). The additional capacity will be available by year-end 2017.

"There has been a considerable increase in global demand for our high-quality Basonat hardeners over the last few years. With this investment, we are addressing that demand while also increasing our supply reliability,” said Ulf Neidlein, Vice President responsible for BASF’s resin and additive business in Europe.

Aliphatic polyisocyanates for 2K PU applications are a global growth area for BASF. In addition to expanding its Ludwigshafen production facilities, BASF began setting up additional capacities at its site in Caojing, China, as early as 2014.

Customers use Basonat resins to formulate automotive and industrial coatings, furniture and flooring coatings, as well as adhesives. In addition, BASF offers a broad portfolio of binders, light stabilizers and formulation additives for 2K PU coatings that can be combined with Basonat hardeners.