SHANGHAI, China – Catalysts produced at a BASF plant in Shanghai, China, have removed more than 18 million tons of pollutants from China's air and water since 2000.

 

The BASF Shanghai Mobile Emissions Catalysts facility, celebrating its 10th anniversary, has now produced its ten-millionth catalyst.

 

“Over the past decade, the 10 million catalysts we have produced in Shanghai have removed millions of tons of vehicle pollutants in China,” said Wayne Smith, President, BASF Catalysts. “Our employees in Shanghai have done an outstanding job supporting our customers throughout the region, producing products that enable cleaner air for a healthier and more sustainable future.”

 

BASF’s Shanghai manufacturing site began commercial production of mobile emissions catalysts in 2000. Since that time, three significant capacity expansion projects have been completed to keep pace with growing regional demand. Over the years, BASF’s Asia-Pacific headquarters for Mobile Emissions Catalysts was relocated to the site, and state-of-the art research and development (R&D) capabilities were also added to develop solutions that meet China’s tightening emission-control regulations. Stage IV regulations will be phased in beginning in 2010 for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles in China, while Stage III regulations for motorcycles are scheduled to be implemented this year.

 

In 2009, automotive sales in China grew 46 percent, to 12.4 million units. Regional production for trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles also continues to experience dramatic growth, increasing the need for a range of high-quality emissions-control solutions in China and throughout Asia.

 

BASF, including its joint ventures in Japan and Korea, is the market leader for mobile emissions catalysts in Asia. BASF is also the market leader for mobile emissions catalysts globally.