Basell adds to catalyst manufacturing.

Basell purchased Akzo Nobel's Polymerization Catalysts & Components business on March 31. The business, which includes catalyst manufacturing and other assets in Edison, NJ, had revenues of nearly $60 million in 2005. Basell's other catalyst manufacturing sites are located in Ferrara, Italy and Ludwigshafen and Frankfurt, Germany.

"We have a large customer base in North America," said Jansz. "Local production is important to ensure security of supply and the highest level of customer service. This acquisition is fully in line with our strategy to develop and grow our catalyst business and it will provide us with the flexibility we need to meet and exceed customers' expectations."