03.27.06
BASF plans to increase its existing production capacities for acrylic acid and superabsorbent polymers (SAP) in Antwerp and for butylacrylate in Ludwigshafen. BASF cites major expansion of its European business as the reason for the extensions.
"The decision came in response to existing as well as new long-term supplier agreements, in most cases with strategic customers. Contracts are already in place covering the greater part of the sales volume for the additional quantities," said Dr. Markus Kramer, head of the Functional Polymers division. "The aim of our business model and of the current investment program is to support customer growth and promote innovations."
The plans involve increasing the capacity of the existing SAP plant at the Antwerp site from the current figure of 115,000 metric tons to 175,000 metric tons annually. Capacity for the precursor acrylic acid will be extended as a result. A second plant with a capacity of 160,000 metric tons is to be built to back the existing acrylic acid plant.
"The decision came in response to existing as well as new long-term supplier agreements, in most cases with strategic customers. Contracts are already in place covering the greater part of the sales volume for the additional quantities," said Dr. Markus Kramer, head of the Functional Polymers division. "The aim of our business model and of the current investment program is to support customer growth and promote innovations."
The plans involve increasing the capacity of the existing SAP plant at the Antwerp site from the current figure of 115,000 metric tons to 175,000 metric tons annually. Capacity for the precursor acrylic acid will be extended as a result. A second plant with a capacity of 160,000 metric tons is to be built to back the existing acrylic acid plant.