CHARLOTTE, N.C. - BASF announced plans to consolidate its coatings-manufacturing operations in North America in moves that will include the discontinuation of automotive liquid-coatings production at the company's Morganton, N.C., site and the transfer of production there to facilities in Decatur, Ala.; Greenville, Ohio; Tultitlan, Mexico; and Windsor, Ontario. The transfer will begin in January 2005, with shutdown of the liquid-coatings operation in Morganton to be completed by June 30, 2005.

The move will result in the elimination of approximately 100 employment positions. Powder-coatings manufacturing will continue at Morganton with the operation's current staff of approximately 10 people.