BASF to increase specialty amines capacity at Geismar.

MOUNT OLIVE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 21, 1995--BASF Corp. announced today that it will expand the capacity of its specialty amines plant in Geismar, La.

This will increase the unit's current annual capacity of about 30 million pounds to between 45 and 55 million pounds, depending on product-mix. Start-up is scheduled for late 1997.

At Geismar, BASF's current amines production utilizes high and medium pressure technology to provide production flexibility. BASF has additional facilities in Ludwigshafen, Germany, and Antwerp, Belgium, with a combined capacity of above 150 million pounds.

BASF produces a broad range of specialty amines, including products such as Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA), Methoxypropylamine (MOPA), Dimethylcyclohexylamine (DMCHA) and tertiary Butylamine. The expansion of its North American capacity will allow BASF to meet growing demand from the market place.

Geismar production primarily serves NAFTA Region markets and exports to South America. "Reacting quickly to changing customer demand has become the key factor for success in this business. This expansion will increase both our local and global flexibility," said Gerald E. Bendele, group vice president chemical intermediates.

Specialty amines are employed in areas such as cosmetics, detergents, polyurethane catalysts, pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, coatings, water treatment chemicals, epoxy curing agents, rubber auxiliaries and fuel additives.

BASF Corp., headquartered in Mount Olive, is the North American unit of BASF Group. With sales of $5.5 billion in 1994, BASF Corp. is among the top 10 producers of chemicals in the United States. Its diversified product mix includes chemicals, nylon fibers, polymers, automotive coatings, colorants, pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals and magnetic media.

CONTACT: Felix Gress

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