BASF increase capacity for waxes

BASF have increased the capacity of their production facilities for waxes and wax emulsions at their Ludwigshafen site by 10,000 tonnes per year. The company now have a total production capacity of 45,000 tonnes per year. BASF intend to consolidate their position as market leader in Europe with this increase in capacity. The performance chemicals division of BASF supply a standard range of waxes and wax emulsions and speciality products which are mainly employed as additives in the plastics industry and in coatings, printing inks and polishes. The world market for waxes and wax emulsions is growing at an annual rate of around 4%. BASF expect their sales to grow at a higher rate than the market. BASF are undoubtedly one of the world's leading chemical companies. They aim to increase and sustain their corporate value through growth and innovation. BASF offer customers a range of high-performance products, including chemicals, plastics, coatings systems, dispersions, agricultural products, fine chemicals as well as crude oil and natural gas. BASF's distinctive approach to integration, known in German as 'Verbund', is considered to be their strength. It enables the company to achieve cost leadership and give a decisive competitive advantage in the long term. BASF act in accordance with the principles of Sustainable Development. In 2001, BASF had sales in the region of $29 billion and more than 90,000 employees worldwide. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF), Paris (BA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information on BASF is available on the internet at [http://www.basf.com]