• First BASF construction chemicals plant in Pakistan
• Karachi plant will produce chemicals for rapidly growing building and infrastructure segments, including Lowari Tunnel
Karachi, Pakistan – December 17, 2008 – BASF today inaugurated its first construction chemicals production site in Pakistan, at Landhi, Karachi. The facility will provide a stable supply of high quality products to the construction industry across Pakistan. BASF will also open a new office in Islamabad on December 18 to better serve growing customer needs in northern Pakistan.
“With a successful presence in Pakistan stretching back 40 years, the opening of this new Karachi plant marks a key step in our long-term commitment in this market,” said Dr. Tilman Krauch, President, Regional Functions and Country Management. “In Pakistan there is a large demand for strong buildings, schools, houses, and offices that can be constructed quickly and cost-effectively, but last a long time. The easy availability of our high quality construction chemicals, produced locally in Pakistan, will add value to the construction industry and the development of the country in building structures that are safer and more durable.”
Industry representatives and BASF’s senior executives officiated at the ceremony, including Dr. Tilman Krauch, as well as Mr. Mark Volmer, Group Vice President, responsible for BASF Construction Chemicals Asia Pacific and Mr. Quazi Sajid, Managing Director of BASF Pakistan.
The plant will formulate a broad range of product systems. These range from concrete admixtures, to alkali free accelerators for underground construction, waterproofing systems, precision grouting systems, concrete repair systems and protective flooring systems.
“As the leading supplier of construction chemicals, BASF is committed to providing a consistent and timely supply across Asia Pacific. Local production brings us closer to our customers in Pakistan and enables us to respond rapidly to the increasing demands of various construction activities, which include roads, bridges, hydropower stations, dams, tunnels, industrial facilities, commercial and residential buildings,” commented Mr. Volmer. “In addition, customers will benefit from our skilled employees and technical expertise.”
BASF is currently supporting major construction projects throughout Pakistan, including the Lowari Tunnel mega project. The eight-kilometer-long tunnel will reduce by half the 14-hour drive from mineral-rich Chitral to Peshawar, facilitating all-weather transportation. With an investment of Rs.8 billion (approximately 79 million euros), this long awaited tunnel is expected to be completed in 2009.
“Our new Karachi plant and Islamabad office are well positioned to offer a total solution for the construction of Lowari Tunnel,” Mr. Volmer added.
BASF’s Construction Chemicals business in Pakistan is supporting the construction of the Lowari Tunnel with the following:
• High-performance concrete admixtures and accelerators that are able to increase the construction efficiency, quality and durability for this high-altitude construction structure in tough terrain
• Superior logistics to ensure a stable supply, despite the location of the job site and the difficulties to access it
• Professional technical support to troubleshoot problems
Photograph:
New BASF Construction Chemicals production site in Karachi, inaugurated by Dr. Tilman Krauch and Mr. Mark Volmer.
About BASF’s Construction Chemicals Division
BASF’s Construction Chemicals division is the leading supplier of chemical systems and formulations for the construction industry. Continuous innovation and tailor-made solutions ensure its customers are more successful. Its Admixture Systems strategic business unit specifically helps customers in the ready-mix, pre-cast and manufactured concrete and underground construction industries. The Construction Systems strategic business unit offers a range of products for sport and industrial flooring, external renders and wall insulation, expansion joints and wood preservatives, as well as specialist repair mortars, tile adhesives and waterproofing membranes. The division operates production sites and sales centers in more than 50 countries and regions and achieved sales of 2.1 billion euros with approximately 7,100 employees in 2007. For further information, please visit www.ap.cc.basf.com
About BASF
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from oil and gas to chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals. As a reliable partner BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF has more than 95,000 employees and posted sales of almost €58 billion in 2007. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.
Media Contacts
Karachi: Shahana Kaukab
Tel: +92 21 111 550 550
Fax: +92 21 4546566
shahana.kaukab@basf.com
Shanghai: Grey Guo
Tel: +86 21 2320 3923
Fax: +86 21 2320 3992
grey-rongjie.guo@basf.com
BASF Pakistan (Private) Limited
46-A, Block 6, PECHS
Karachi, Paksitan