BASF increase capacity in Shanghai

BASF have increased their capacity for tanning and dispersing agents in Shanghai with the consequent creation of new jobs. The move is in response to an increasing demand for powder products. BASF Colorants and Chemicals (BACC), Shanghai, are a 100 % subsidiary of BASF Aktiengesellschaft. They will increase their production capacity for synthetic tanning and dispersing agents from 4,000 to 14,000 tons per year. Work has begun on installing a new production line and a new spray-drying tower used to manufacture products in powder form. It is expected to be completed at the end of 2003. Around 20 new jobs will be created. BASF already have a strong position in the market for synthetic tanning and dispersing agents in powder form in China. The extended capacity at the Shanghai site will satisfy the continuously increasing demand in this growing market and will safeguard the long-term continuity of supplies to customers in Asia. Synthetic tanning and dispersing agents are used worldwide in the production of leather and furs. Tanning agents are marketed by the business unit performance chemicals for leather from BASF under the Basyntan and Relugan trademarks, and dispersing agents are marketed under the Tamol trademark.