BASF India Limited has inaugurated its large-scale chemical production complex at Dahej, Gujarat. With a project cost of Rs 1,000 crore, the site represents BASF´s single largest investment in India. The site was jointly inaugurated by Anandiben Patel, Hon´ble Chief Minister of Gujarat; Saurabhbhai Patel, Hon´ble Minister for Finance, Energy and Petrochemicals, Government of Gujarat and Michael Heinz, Member of the Board of Executive Directors, BASF SE.
Speaking at the launch, Heinz said: ¨As part of our investment plans of more than Rs 1,000 crore in Asia Pacific between 2013 and 2020, we want to strengthen our production platform in India. With our new Dahej site, we are enhancing our position as supplier with local production and can even better ´create chemistry´ with our customers. With our advanced technologies and the commitment of our team in India, we will both contribute to and benefit from India´s huge market potential.¨
Dr Raman Ramachandran, Chairman, BASF companies in India & Head South Asia, said: ¨With this production hub, including the first MDI splitter in South Asia, we are well positioned to increase our long-term competitiveness significantly in this key market. We will serve our customers in the Asia Pacific region even better through stable product supply in terms of both quality and volume.¨
The site includes an integrated hub for polyurethane manufacturing and production facilities for care chemicals and polymer dispersions. The care chemicals facility at the Dahej site hosts the first BASF sulfation plant in India, which will cater to customers in the fast-moving consumer goods sector.