With easy access to BASF's Innovation Campus in Shanghai - the company's largest research site in Asia Pacific, the additional facility will enable the supplier to develop more innovative products that meet Asian personal care needs.
The site currently manufactures applications of emollients and waxes for skin care, baby and child care, deodorants, and oral care.
The additional facility is anticipated to go on stream in the first quarter of 2017 and the company reports the RSPO-certified production site assures use of certified palm (kernel) oil.
“Emollients and waxes are important in governing the tactile feeling and skin sensation of end products. China is one of the biggest personal care markets. Strengthening our production facility in China allows us to serve customers in the region quicker with greater flexibility," says Dr. Thomas Groesser, Senior Vice President of Care Chemicals Asia Pacific, BASF.
"Combined with our technical services, market insights and knowledge, a reliable supply of high quality emollients and waxes will complement our strengths in serving Asian customers better,” he adds.
Heavy investment in China in recent years...
BASF is targeting significant growth in its business in the Asia Pacific region, and has set the bar high for its plans in the China market, which is continuing to experience fast industrial and economic growth, despite a slowdown from exceptionally fast growth of the past two to three years.
In 2014, the company announced it was allocating €90 million to build additional research and developing facilities and auxiliary facilities at its existing site in Pudong.
“By 2020, around 25% of BASF’s R&D employees will be located in Asia Pacific,” said Dr. Andreas Kreimeyer, member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE and Research executive director.
As well as the personal care industry, the expanded facilities will also be serving development in the home care, health and nutrition, construction and automotive industries.