BASF, one of the world’s biggest chemical company, inaugurated its first Innovation Campus Asia Pacific and its new Greater China headquarters on November 6 in Shanghai. The new facilities, which cost approximately 55 million euro, is the company’s biggest investment in the region to date and one of the largest site outside of its Germany base.
“Innovations based on chemistry will play a key role in providing solutions to help Asia Pacific meet the challenges of sustainable development. Through close cooperation with materials scientists, technical experts, business colleagues and customers, BASF will create innovations from Asia, for Asia and the world. By 2020, we expect to have about 25% of our global R&D headcount in this region,” said Dr Martin Brudermueller, Vice Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE, responsible for Asia Pacific.
At the first phase of the new Innovation Campus Asia Pacific, around 450 researchers and developers in technical teams from 17 regional business units will work together in international and multi-disciplinary projects. BASF will also foster collaboration with universities and scientific institutes in Asia Pacific. Further expansion of the facility is planned.
BASF says the researchers at the site will focus on advanced materials and sustainable solutions. Examples include biobased polymers for home and personal care applications, tailor-made binders for waterproofing in a variety of local climate and weather conditions, thermally conductive plastics for energy-efficient lighting, and advanced polyurethane formulation for shoe components. Additionally, an analytics and material physics team will support the R&D activities.
“The overall expansion of the Pudong site marks an important milestone in the history of BASF in Greater China, more specifically of BASF in Shanghai. As one of our largest integrated sites, the Pudong site will be a key enabler for collaboration between BASF employees and customers. Additionally, we aim to engage closely with nearby communities and contribute to the development of Shanghai as an international innovation hub.” said Johnny Kwan, Chairman of BASF Greater China Country Board.
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