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The path to becoming a transnational organization
Germany’s economic boom continues until the mid-1960s, but in 1967 the country slides into recession for the first time. Gross domestic product drops by 0.2 percent instead of rising 8 percent per year as it had done until now. Instead of too few workers there is now too little work. There are public demands for the state to rethink its policies and to play an active role in economic development. The government eventually introduces long overdue reforms.
The investment program and a stability law introduced by a grand coalition of the two main parties helps the country to regain full employment and a booming economy that lasts until the oil crisis in October 1973. Rising prices and a drop in output by the oil-producing countries plunge the global economy into its most serious crisis since the great depression of 1929.
 | | | In the Realm of Chemistry: 100 years of BASF | |
Ludwigshafen also undergoes a change in the years following 1960. The development of further production sites abroad will allow BASF to operate even more efficiently and establish a presence in all highly industrialized countries and markets. Top priorities are to secure the company’s raw materials base and expand the product portfolio to include consumer oriented and higher value products. Environmental awareness, research performance, innovation and globalization become critical market factors. BASF makes substantial investments in emerging markets, in particular in South and East Asia in the years after 1990. A key element of this development is BASF’s Verbund principle, which dates back to the founding of the company. The principle is systematically transferred to new production sites and is a crucial success factor in a highly competitive business. Basic chemicals and intermediates play a key role in the Verbund system because they can be used for different syntheses in many areas. Of all chemical companies, BASF has the largest range of these chemicals. The end of the Cold War, the fall of the Berlin Wall and German unification lead to more political and structural changes in the early 1990s. Although this decade brings changes and challenges for BASF too, the company sticks to its established course and invests in eastern Germany, in the new Schwarzheide site. Since the beginning of the new millennium, transnational companies such as BASF have become more important with the growing globalization of markets, corporate strategies and site systems. BASF is actively involved in Germany’s ongoing structural transformation toward research and science based industries and is using it as an opportunity to unlock new business potential. Sustainability, profitability, team spirit and even greater customer focus are key elements that mark out BASF’s route to the future. That this happens in a farsighted and responsible manner and at the same time with self-confidence and energy is something that is symbolized by BASF - The Chemical Company.
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"The founders of BASF recognized from the outset that one can only successfully compete in dyes and other high-performance chemical products in the long term if one produces the necessary raw materials and precursors to a large extent oneself and if one promotes and funds research. Accordingly, they created a system which BASF has followed for 100 years and which has played a key role in the company’s success." This is how Carl Wurster describes BASF’s first 100 years in the anniversary year of 1965. The centenary year also marks the beginning of a new stage in the company’s history: BASF expands worldwide by building or acquiring new production sites at home and abroad; BASF moves production closer to its markets.
BASF secures energy supplies at its Ludwigshafen site. The power station in Marl starts operations, generating electricity from ballast coal from the Auguste Victoria mine until 1990. The electricity is fed to the Ludwigshafen site via the utility company Rheinisch-Westfälische Elektrizitätswerke.
 | | | Direct contact with the customer: Glasurit coatings used at Volkswagen AG | |
Great efforts are also made to drive integration toward higher value products. In its centenary year, BASF acquires Glasurit producer M. Winkelmann AG, one of Europe’s largest coatings companies. This is the first step toward a consumer-focused market. The acquisition of Dr. Beck & Co. AG in 1967 is a valuable addition to the Glasurit production range. The company specializes in manufacturing insulating coatings and materials for the electrical industry. BASF adds industrial and construction coatings to its product portfolio in 1968 by acquiring a majority stake in Herbol-Werke Herbig Haarhaus AG. Two years later, in 1970, it strengthens its position in pigments and printing inks by acquiring two further companies, Siegle and Kast + Ehinger. These acquisitions lay the foundation for BASF Coatings, which is today one of the world’s top three manufacturers of automotive (OEM) coatings and automotive refinish coatings.
After eighteen months of construction, BASF’s magnetic tape plant in Willstätt on the Rhine River near the Swiss border starts operations in 1966. The plant produces audio and video cassettes, electronic storage media as well as printing plates for the graphics industry.
BASF Española S.A. is founded in Barcelona and starts producing Styropor in Tarragona three years later. Today, Tarragona is one of BASF’s most important sites in Europe. Along with Styropor, it also produces polystyrene, dispersions, additives for animal nutrition and agricultural products. Since 2004, BASF operates the world’s largest propane dehydrogenation facility in Tarragona as part of a joint venture.
The Flotzgrün landfill on the Rhine River near Speyer begins operating. BASF Aktiengesellschaft uses the controlled landfill to store inert solid waste.
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In 1967, phthalic anhydride, an important intermediate for plasticizers, is manufactured using a new and cost efficient process. Continuous production is now possible, and oxylene now replaces naphthalene as a raw material. BASF is the leading producer of phthalic anhydride today.
In the same year, BASF Australia begins manufacturing Styropor. Today, BASF produces dispersions in Australia.
BASF acquires Nordmark-Werke GmbH, Hamburg, in 1968. This pharmaceutical company, founded in 1927, specializes in drugs to treat diseases of the central nervous system, changes in the blood, and cardiovascular and infectious diseases. This marks the beginning of BASF’s pharmaceutical activities
Nyloprint, a photopolymer printing plate developed by BASF is launched. The new printing plates soon prove superior to traditional plates. BASF Printing Systems introduces a new form of book printing that permits the direct transfer of data on to the printing plate in 2002, and a special printing plate for security printing in 2003. In 2004, BASF sells its printing systems business. The activities focused on a fringe area between chemistry and technology and were moving further and further away from chemistry and hence from BASF’s core businesses.
Bernhard Timm (1909 - 1992, chairman of BASF’s Board of Executive Directors from 1965 to 1974) addresses staff celebrating their service anniversaries in 1968: "After a successful and in the history of our industry probably unique reconstruction effort that naturally first and foremost benefited the Ludwigshafen site, BASF has systematically expanded to become a global group. Numerous facilities at other sites and associated companies with other partners have been added to the Ludwigshafen hub with its strong centralized research facilities; its versatile, highly experienced operations; its engineering expertise and newly restructured sales organization; and all its support services. On the long road from turning simple raw materials into high-performance chemical products this has given us a unique opportunity to select those operating conditions that offer optimum returns. In addition, by widening the base of our operations, we are also creating the foundation for us to strengthen in the upper stories of our chemical structure, and thus for surviving in an increasingly tough competitive environment."
BASF employs 86,428 people worldwide in 1968.
 | | | Crude oil feed at Wintershall | |
In 1969, the acquisition of Wintershall, one of Germany’s oldest oil and gas companies, gives BASF access to its own petrochemical feedstocks. A statement issued by the boards of both companies says: "The collaboration between our two companies and the coordination of refining opportunities with the requirements of the chemical industry in processing raw materials will lead to the maximum possible economic benefit. By combining our financial strength, the opportunities in oil production and processing can be utilized more swiftly and more effectively."
BASF acquires Wyandotte Chemicals Corporation in Wyandotte, Michigan, and thus significantly expands its U.S. operations. The corporation’s main sites are in Wyandotte and in Geismar, Louisiana. The product lines of the two companies are a perfect match: Wyandotte’s strong position in basic chemicals such as ethylene and propylene oxide and in polyurethane chemistry means that BASF can use its expertise to develop its performance chemicals business with profitable derivatives such as crop protection agents and organic intermediates.
The acquisition of Wyandotte in North America and at the same time the purchase of a stake in the Elastomer/Elastogran Group in Europe (100 percent stake acquired in 1971) paves the way for BASF’s entry into polyurethanes - foamed plastics that are widely used in automotive production and in sport and leisure equipment.
In 1970, Wintershall Group and Salzdetfurth Group combine their interests in potash and salt to form a new company, Kali und Salz AG. Together, they own 14 potash and salt plants in West Germany.
The range of engineering plastics is expanded. Ultraform GmbH, founded in collaboration with Degussa, begins producing an acetal copolymer. Ultraform is suitable for all applications requiring rigidity, dimensional stability and wear resistance.
The reward for more than 10 years of research and development: World-scale plants for the production of vitamin A and E come on stream. Other nutritional products - for example various carotenoids - are gradually added to the product range.
In 1972, the first Committee of Executive Representatives is established to represent the interests of senior executives.
The first oil crisis in 1973 leads to prolonged turbulence in the global economy. Its impact is also felt by BASF in raw materials purchasing, production and energy supply.
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| BASF’s wastewater treatment plant: One of the largest in Europe |
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After 17 years of research and planning, the first wastewater treatment plant at the Ludwigshafen site starts operating in December 1974. It is a biological purification plant and the key element in a sophisticated water concept that uses separate canal systems for wastewater and cooling water and pretreatment systems in numerous plants. Built at a cost of DM500 million, it is one of the largest facilities in Europe. In terms of capacity, the treatment plant could purify the wastewater of between six and seven million people. It treats not only wastewater from the Ludwigshafen site, but also municipal wastewater from the cities of Ludwigshafen and Frankenthal and the community of Bobenheim-Roxheim.
The plant is continuously improved and upgraded. In the 1990s, BASF wastewater experts work to reduce the amount of ammonium - a substance that can over-enrich water systems with nutrients - in wastewater. In 1995, BASF makes a voluntary commitment to reduce its nitrogen emissions to the Rhine River by 50 percent. Since 2001, the plant has used a nitrification process, enabling BASF to more than halve the amount of nitrogen it discharges into the Rhine annually: In 2004, BASF discharged 856 metric tons compared with 3,500 metric tons in 2001. To lower nitrogen emissions even further, BASF extends its voluntary commitment in 2004.
Another important step in weed control: Basagran controls hitherto difficult weeds in cereal crops and above all in the cultivation of the major subtropical crops soybeans and rice. Basagran has an additional advantage: When used in combination with other herbicides, it plays an important role in no-till farming systems developed to prevent soil erosion in the American Midwest and in Brazil.
BASF broadens its pharmaceutical activities: The company acquires a majority stake in Knoll AG, headquartered in Ludwigshafen, in 1975. In addition to pharmaceuticals, Knoll’s product range includes pharmaceutical active ingredients, fine chemicals, hospital supplies and hygiene products. BASF raises its stake in the Knoll Group to 100 percent at the end of 1982.
A second plant for the production of the plastic polypropylene starts operating in 1977 at Rheinische Olefinwerke GmbH (ROW) in Wesseling, a joint venture between BASF and Deutsche Shell. A special feature is a new gas phase process developed by BASF that has an excellent environmental profile and that enables the production of extremely rigid and hard polypropylene grades that are particularly suitable for engineered components.
BASF starts operations at a plant for the production of an annual 90,000 metric tons of propylene-based acrylic acid in Ludwigshafen. Until now, BASF has produced this exceptionally important and versatile chemical raw material using the Reppe process, in which carbon monoxide and water are added to acetylene. This is another success for process developers, who have spent several years working on the controlled catalytic oxidation of organic compounds with air. Technical success is followed by financial success: Today, BASF has an annual acrylic acid capacity of more than 800,000 metric tons and is global market leader in glacial acrylic acid and acrylic esters. Some of the most well known end products based on these acrylic monomers include polymer dispersions for adhesives, coatings and paper finishing; superabsorbents for baby diapers and other hygiene products; nonwoven fabrics; plastics; fibers; and water-treatment chemicals.
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| Fascinating technology: Steam cracker in Ludwigshafen |
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Production begins in Indonesia. BASF initially manufactures magnetic tape cassettes and inorganic pigments and pigment preparations. Later on, production is extended to include various areas of chemistry, in particular dispersions and process chemicals.
BASF acquires 100 percent of Dow Badische Company in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1978. The move provides a broader base for further expanding BASF’s chemical operations and its then important fiber business in North America.
Matthias Seefelder (1920 - 2001, chairman of BASF’s Board of Executive Directors from 1974 to 1983) states at the 1980 Annual Meeting: "We are leaving the 1970s behind with good results, but it has nevertheless been an economically turbulent decade. Looking back, we can see how deeply the conditions for our business have changed. The company itself has also changed significantly over the past decade. We have systematically expanded our supplies of raw materials and feedstocks and, at the same time and in the other direction, systematically invested in higher value and consumer-focused products. The increasingly narrow scope for growth in the traditional industrialized countries has made it necessary for us to expand our activities worldwide in order to use our expertise on a global basis. As we expect these trends to intensify in the 1980s, we have decided to refine our organization. Worldwide product stewardship will thus become our overriding principle."
One of BASF’s largest individual investments in Ludwigshafen starts operations: the DM400 million steam cracker, which produces the key products ethylene and propylene from crude petroleum, also known as naphtha. The naphtha is supplied by pipeline from the aromatics plant of the Mannheim refinery on the other side of the Rhine River - an advantage of BASF’s Verbund system. Today, the steam cracker receives naphtha from all over the world by ship as well as by pipeline from Rotterdam.
BASF establishes a joint venture in South Korea with Hyosung. It begins producing Styropor in 1982 and polystyrene in 1985. In 1988, a joint venture is set up to produce the polyurethane basic material MDI. Today, BASF has four production sites in South Korea and more than 1,000 employees.
Development of BASF’s range of fragrances: Plants that manufacture citronellal, citronellol and hydroxycitronellal using proprietary processes go on stream in 1982. These are components of fragrances used in soaps and detergent scents.
BASF acquires a vitamin plant in Grenaa from the Danish company Grindsted, supplementing its existing vitamin production.
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 | | | Multipurpose fermentation plant: Natural fragrances and flavors and vitamins are produced using microorganisms. | |
Poast, a grass herbicide developed by BASF, is launched in 1983. It is mainly used in soybeans and cotton.
In 1984, Hungary becomes the first state-controlled economy in which BASF invests. Kemipur GmbH, a joint venture established between the BASF Group company Elastogran and Hungarian partners, produces polyurethane components. Elastogran acquires a majority stake in 1991. In the same year, BASF Hungaria Kft. is established as an independent distribution company.
To strengthen its position in the key North American market, BASF makes a number of major acquisitions in 1985: It buys Celanese’s advanced composite materials business, and the purchase of American Enka doubles BASF's fibers operations, which are concentrated entirely in North America. At the time, both businesses are seen as having huge potential.
The acquisition of Inmont represents a decisive step in opening up the North American coatings and printing inks market.
At the turn of 1985/86, BASF's activities in North America are consolidated in the new Group company BASF Corporation. Today, BASF has around 10,000 employees in North America and generates more than 20 percent of its sales in the region.
The goal of today's human resources policy is to achieve a better work/life balance. BASF Aktiengesellschaft introduces its parent and child program in 1986 to enable employees to take parental leave for an extended period of time after the birth of a child. At the end of this period, parents are guaranteed a job comparable to their previous work. Eleven years later, a company teleworking agreement comes into effect. The new working model enables employees to work from home, save commuting time and react flexibly to their families' needs.
Advances in biotechnology: Synthetic vitamin B2 is used in medicine and animal nutrition. It compensates for deficiencies in animal feed and improves its efficacy. Until now, vitamin B2 has been produced using a traditional chemical process. In 1987, BASF develops a biotechnological method in which vitamin B2 is made from vegetable oils in a single microbiological step. New biotechnological processes are also developed to produce natural flavors that are becoming increasingly popular as additives in beverages and milk products, for example. Biotechnology and genetic engineering processes are also used to conduct research into syntheses for pharmaceutical active ingredients.
In 1988, BASF acquires the polymer dispersions business of Polysar Ltd., a Canadian company operating mainly in North America. Polymer dispersions are used as binders to manufacture coated paper and board as well as nonwoven fabrics. They are also used for carpet backings, adhesives and coatings, in leather and textile production, the construction industry and a large number of special applications. BASF, now a leading global manufacturer of polymer dispersions with a broad product portfolio, had a very limited presence in this area in North America until this date.
A major investment in environmental protection: Following an investment of more than DM 200 million, the flue gas desulfurization facility for BASF Ludwigshafen's central coal-fired power plant starts operations. The second part of the flue gas treatment system, a plant for removing nitrogen oxides - is completed in 1990.
 | | | Manned around the clock: BASF’s environmental control center in Ludwigshafen | |
BASF's new environmental monitoring center begins operating in Ludwigshafen in 1989. The center collects data from 43 monitoring stations (today: 46). The atmospheric monitoring stations measure ground-level air pollutants, wind data and other meteorological data in and around the site. Measurements include sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, ozone, dust and organic carbon compounds. Cooling water discharged into the Rhine River is also monitored, as is the toximeter in the inflow of the wastewater treatment plant, which sounds an alarm in an emergency. Noise pollution data are also transmitted to the center. Employees and local residents can contact the environmental control center around the clock, and all calls are followed up.
On the occasion of BASF's 125th anniversary in 1990, Hans Albers (1925 - 1999, chairman of the Board of Executive Directors between 1983 and 1990) says: "Chemistry for the future is only possible if we have clear goals, support the changes going on around us and are willing to help shape them... By moving into promising markets, BASF is adjusting to the challenges of growing and changing demand... Through our responsible behavior, we have a duty to prove that chemistry and nature are not incompatible but form a whole. This is especially true for environmental protection, where our worldwide expertise enables us to develop innovative solutions on our own initiative."
As part of BASF's growing worldwide presence, BASF's shares are listed on the Tokyo stock exchange, at the time the world's largest, on November 27, 1990. The move underscores the company's involvement in the Asia Pacific region, with a focus on Japan.
BASF is also asked to join a collaborative research venture by Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), and is the first non-Japanese company to be invited.
BASF acquires Agfa Gevaert Group's magnetic tape operations and reorganizes its magnetic media business. The production and marketing of its tapes, cassettes and diskettes are incorporated in a new subsidiary, BASF Magnetics GmbH.
BASF acquires Synthesewerk Schwarzheide AG in eastern Germany. The new subsidiary, named BASF Schwarzheide GmbH, manufactures polyurethane basic materials and specialties. In the following 10 years, around DM 2 billion is invested to redevelop, modernize and expand the site. As part of a site marketing initiative, other companies have set up at the site since 1998 and work closely with BASF Schwarzheide.
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| Main gate of the Schwarzheide site in 1991 and 1996 |
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Wintershall AG and the Soviet company Gazprom, the world's largest gas producer, agree to jointly market natural gas from the USSR. This involves planning, building and operating new natural gas pipelines and distribution networks as well as jointly selling natural gas in Western Europe. As part of the agreement, Wintershall invests more than DM 4 billion to construct the long distance pipelines MIDAL and STEGAL and the natural gas storage facility in Rehden, Germany.
BASF inaugurates a new ecology laboratory in Ludwigshafen in 1991. Its tasks include ecobiological and environmental analyses of individual substances, products and wastewater.
The end of the coal era: The Auguste Victoria mine in Marl, which has supplied BASF with coal since 1907, is sold to Ruhrkohle AG.
BASF's first plant in China, designed in-house and built in collaboration with a Chinese partner, is inaugurated in Nanjing in 1992. The plant produces unsaturated polyester resins (UP resins) mainly for use in boat and container building. Further plants built with Chinese partners follow in succeeding years.
A plant for the production of tetrahydrofuran (THF)and polytetrahydrofuran (PolyTHF)is built in Yokkaichi, Japan. The products serve as starting materials for plastics and elastic spandex fibers, for example for the manufacture of high-quality pantyhose and leisurewear.
Kali und Salz AG (K+S) merges with Mitteldeutsche Kali AG in 1993 to form Kali und Salz GmbH. K+S holds 51 percent of the share capital with the remaining 49 percent held by Treuhand, the government agency charged with privatizing East German industry after unification. The merger allows for rationalization and structural adjustments to take place across what is now a single German potash industry. In the course of further adjustments to its portfolio, BASF disposes of its majoity stake by the end of the 1990s.
The Board of Executive Directors introduces a BASF Innovation Award for the first time. The award is intended to demonstrate the importance of innovation to BASF and to honor innovative employees. In 1993, the award is presented for the development of the cereal fungicide Opus and Paliocrom effect pigments.
BASF inaugurates a new steam cracker in 1994 in Antwerp. It costs DM 1.3 billion and is the largest facility built thus far. The steam cracker completes the product Verbund and guarantees the company's supply of petrochemical feedstocks.
BASF inaugurates its new site in Altamira, Mexico, in 1995. The site, strategically positioned in the NAFTA trade zone, initially produces dispersions, process chemicals, Styropor and dyes.
Jürgen Strube (b. 1939, chairman of the Board of Executive Directors from 1990 to 2003) says at the 1996 Annual Meeting: "Our growth is strongest in Asia because the economic music being played there is especially loud and stirring. We intend to play too and want to take our place at the first desk in the future. Our customers think exactly the same and are expanding their presence in China, Korea and India, too. We see this not only as an opportunity for BASF to secure a stable position by moving swiftly into the Asian market, but also as a commitment to supporting our customers as they build up their businesses in Asia"
 | | | BASF builds a modern production site, strategically located in the NAFTA trade zone, in Altamira, Mexico. | |
BASF plans one of the world's largest production facilities for acrylic monomers in Kuantan, Malaysia, in collaboration with the Malaysian state-owned company PETRONAS. The new plant also paves the way for a BASF Verbund site in Kuantan. Almost simultaneously, BASF launches another large scale project in China:the construction of a petrochemical Verbund site in Nanjing in cooperation with strategic partner SINOPEC.
BASF strengthens its agricultural products business with another acquisition:part of the worldwide corn herbicide business of Sandoz AG. The move enables BASF to increase its sales of agricultural products, above all in North America, the world's biggest market for herbicides.
The launch of mildew fungicide Brio provides the breakthrough to a completely new class of fungicidal active ingredients: strobilurins.
In 1997, BASF establishes Targor, a joint venture with Hoechst, for the polypropylene operations of both companies. The company is headquartered in Mainz and has production sites in Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France and Spain.
RWE Power's combined heat and power (CHP) plant begins operating at BASF's Ludwigshafen site. The natural gas-fired plant operates according to the principle of cogeneration - the combined production of electricity and steam - and has a fuel efficiency of close to 90 percent.
BASF-LYNX Bioscience AG receives swift approval to operate a genetic engineering laboratory in Heidelberg and begins working on genetically modified microorganisms. The company is renamed Axaron Bioscience four years later. BASF remains the biggest shareholder.
The Korean KOHAP group acquires BASF's worldwide magnetic tape activities.
BASF Corporation, New Jersey, and FINA Inc. of Dallas, Texas, begin construction of the world's largest naphtha steam cracker in Port Arthur, Texas, in 1998. The steam cracker is located at FINA's refinery site and is operated by BASF. Since its startup in December 2001, the facility pipes propylene and ethylene as well as other feedstocks to BASF's Verbund sites in Freeport, Texas, and Geismar, Louisiana.
BASF and Shell found Elenac, a joint venture for ethylene production. In 1999, BASF and Shell decide to merge Elenac, Targor and Montell into a polyolefins joint venture named Basell.
BASF's stock market listing is converted from par-value shares (DM 5 and DM 50)to no-par-value shares, making it easier to convert the share capital to euros later on.
Together with other major German companies, BASF is one of 16 founding members of the Remembrance, Responsibility and the Future foundation in February 1999. As a gesture of reconciliation, the companies donate funds to the foundation to provide payments to surviving forced laborers and other victims of the Naziregime. In addition, "fund for the future" is set up to support projects aimed at promoting international understanding. Alongside its humanitarian goal, the foundation aims to achieve comprehensive and permanent legal certainty for all companies including their overseas parent groups or subsidiaries. BASF donates DM 110 million to the fund. After intensive negotiations, the final declaration to establish the Remembrance, Responsibility and the Future foundation is signed on July 17, 2000.
 | | BASF Plant Science: Research conducted by the SunGene joint venture in Gatersleben, eastern Germany
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Along with its Swedish partner, seed manufacturer Svalöf Weibull, BASF establishes its own company for plant biotechnology research:BASF Plant Science. BASF owns 85 percent of the company;the remaining 15 percent is held by Svalöf Weibull. The company conducts research worldwide within the two partner companies, in various joint ventures and also as part of research agreements with universities. The goal is to develop new business fields in agriculture and nutrition, for example plants that are resistant to cold or drought, or that contain omega-3 fatty acids to provide protection from cardiovascular disease.
After three years of development, BASF is one of the first chemical companies to introduce an eco-efficiency analysis. This new tool makes it possible to analyze a product's lifecycle from the "cradle to the grave" and in this way balance economic and environmental considerations. The analysis considers raw materials and energy consumption, emissions and the various options for recycling and disposal. If a product is neither eco-efficient nor able to be improved, alternatives are sought.
A compounding plant for Ultramid and Ultradur goes on stream in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia. Six years later, annual capacity is increased from 30,000 to 45,000 metric tons.
BASF agrees to acquire the crop protection business of American Home Products Corporation (AHP) in 2000, doubling the global sales of its Agricultural Products division.
BASF shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the world's largest financial center, for the first time on June 7.
The first plants at BASF's first Verbund site in Asia, in Kuantan, Malaysia, begin production. With its three value-adding chains (acrylic monomers, oxo alcohols and butanediol), the Kuantan Verbund site is a key element in BASF's strategy in the Asia Pacific region.
The Chinese government gives BASF and its Chinese partner SINOPEC the green light to construct a petrochemical Verbund site in Nanjing. Groundbreaking takes place in 2001, and the project makes BASF the largest foreign chemical company to invest in China. The joint venture uses state-of-the-art technology to build and operate a steam cracker and nine downstream plants on a 220-hectare site on the Yangtze River.
In order to enhance its competitiveness, BASF merges its textile dye operations with DyStar, a joint venture with Bayer and Hoechst. BASF's indigo dye for jeans and its portfolio of vat, dispersion and reactive dyes complete DyStar's existing range. The new Frankfurt-based Dystar Textilfarben GmbH &Co. Deutschland KG becomes the world's largest supplier of textile dyes. BASF holds a 30 percent stake, Bayer und Hoechst 35 percent each.
Abbott Laboratories Inc., Illinois, acquires BASF's pharmaceuticals business in March 2001.
The acquisition of the vitamins business of Takeda Chemical Industries Ltd., Japan, makes BASF the world's second largest producer of vitamins.
 | | | F 500 plant in Schwarzheide | |
A production plant for F 500, a new fungicidal active ingredient used in BASF products Opera, Cabrio and Comet, goes on stream in Schwarzheide in September 2001.
In June 2001, BASF becomes one of the first companies to establish a Sustainability Council. The Council is responsible for implementing the principles of sustainable development throughout the company.
BASF's presents its new organizational structure in July 2001 under the name "Fit for the Future." The company further sharpens its customer focus and improves its market presence with 38 regional and 10 global business units.
In July 2002, BASF becomes a founding member of Global Compact, a United Nations initiative in which NGOs, corporations, international business and labor representatives as well as members of the scientific and political community work together to promote responsible growth. With its membership, BASF commits itself to promoting and implementing the Global Compact's principles in the areas of human rights, labor standards and environmental protection. BASF additionally carries out joint projects with representatives from the public sector and/or NGOs.
BASF receives approval to build an integrated production complex for polytetrahydrofuran (PolyTHF) and tetrahydrofuran (THF)in Shanghai. With an annual capacity of 60,000 metric tons, the new plant will be the world's largest. PolyTHF is an important component in the manufacture of elastomer fibers for the textile industry. Ellba Eastern (Pte.) Ltd., a 50-50 joint venture between Shell and BASF for the production of styrene and propylene oxide and the largest of its kind in Asia, starts operations in Singapore.
BASF consolidates its position as global market leader in acrylic acid and acrylic acid derivatives with the launch of the world's largest production plant for superabsorbents in Antwerp.
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BASF launches the Ludwigshafen Site Project under the motto "Site future here & now!" with the aim of securing and strategically developing the company's oldest site. An important feature is the appointment of a site manager for the Ludwigshafen site. After running for three years, the project is successfully completed in 2005. The cost level of the Ludwigshafen production site will be sustainably reduced by €480 million per year.
A new plant for polymer dispersions starts operations in Hamina, Finland. The plant mainly produces coating binders for the paper industry. Hamina is BASF's most northerly production site.
A new state-of-the-art logistics center opens at the Ludwigshafen site in 2003. It is Europe’s largest chemicals terminal for packaged products and replaces around 50 smaller external storage facilities in Ludwigshafen and Mannheim. The new center spares the region 25,000 truck journeys per year.
The acquisition of the insecticide fipronil and other selected seed treatment fungicides from Bayer CropScience strengthens BASF’s agricultural products portfolio.
BASF acquires Honeywell’s engineering plastics business and in turn sells the U.S. company its nylon fibers business.
 | | | Gas for Europe: Russian gas from Siberia is piped more than 5,000 kilometers. | |
Gazprom, Russian Federation, - the world’s largest producer of natural gas - and BASF subsidiary Wintershall establish the Achimgaz joint venture to develop gas deposits in the Urengoy field in western Siberia.
A new world-scale plant for the production of high-purity methane sulfonic acid starts operations at the Ludwigshafen site. The product, which is mainly used in the electronics industry, is manufactured using a novel process developed by BASF that produces virtually no emissions.
For the first time, BASF announces long-term, globally valid goals for environmental protection and safety and reports on goal attainment.
Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht (b. 1946, chairman of the Board of Executive Directors since 2003) states in 2004 on the company's advanced strategy: "We have given our route to the future a name: BASF 2015. All of us must align our day-to-day work with four strategic guidelines:- Earn a premium on our cost of capital
- Help our customers to be more successful
- Form the best team in industry
- Ensure sustainable development
BASF is "The Chemical Company," and through BASF 2015 we will remain the world leader in the chemical industry. This promise and claim underline our confident approach to the future. Our renewed strategy is expressed in our brand and in our new logo and corporate design."
BASF acquires Foam Enterprises, United States, strengthening its polyurethane systems for rigid foam applications. Applications for such systems include roof and wall insulation, walk-in coolers, spas and boat floatation.
In Sighisoara, Romania, BASF subsidiary Wintershall starts producing natural gas together with Romgaz. The production alliance aims to extract 300,000 cubic meters of natural gas per day.
Procter & Gamble launches BASF’s Basotect foam on the European market under the trademark Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and honors BASF with an award for outstanding cooperation and innovation.
BASF starts operations at its new 40,000 metric ton world-scale plant for citral in Ludwigshafen. This fine chemical intermediate is the starting material for the production of vitamins A and E, carotenoids and a range of aroma chemicals.
BASF, Bayer and Hoechst sell their holding in DyStar, the Frankfurt-based manufacturer of textile dyes, to the U.S. private equity group Platinum Equity.
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| BASF-YPC Co. Ltd. delivers the first 20 metric tons of methyl acrylate to customers in January 2005. |
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In January 2005 BASF acquires the worldwide electronics chemicals business from Merck KgaA, Germany. This makes BASF a leading supplier of electronics chemicals for the rapidly growing semiconductor and flat screen industries.
BASF begins building up a regional shared service center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This will take over financial and accounting services, information technology and human resources for BASF Group companies in 15 countries in the Asia Pacific region. BASF's European Shared Service Center, the BASF Services Europe GmbH, starts up in Berlin.
Together with a further eight companies, BASF founds the Wissensfabrik - Unternehmen für Deutschland (Knowledge Factory - enterprises for Germany). The initiative focuses on education and promoting entrepreneurs.
The most prestigious chemical company in the world - BASF. This was the outcome of a survey conducted by the US business magazine "Fortune".
BASF and Shell Chemicals sell their 50:50 joint venture Basell, a worldwide leading producer of polyolefins.
The new, highly efficient gas and steam turbine power station at the Ludwigshafen site officially goes on the grid.
In collaboration with the Chinese company SINOPEC, BASF inaugurates its new integrated Verbund site in Nanjing, China. A steamcracker and nine downstream plants went into operation as planned. The new site represents BASF's biggest investment in its history so far. The total investment of both partners amounts to $2.9 billion. BASF and SINOPEC sign a $500 million agreement in July 2006 for expanding the Nanjing site.
Construction work on the North European gas pipeline (NEGP) is underway. This marks the start of work for the German-Russian joint-venture North European Gas Pipeline Company founded by Gazprom, BASF and E.ON.
BASF supplements its portfolio. The aim is to acquire businesses that are even more customer-oriented, as well as innovation and growth driven.
The acquisition of Engelhard Corporation, USA, in June 2006 is the biggest takeover in BASF's corporate history. Through the merger of the two companies, BASF becomes a worldwide leading supplier in the dynamically growing catalytic converter market and, at the same time, is set to expand into growth markets, such as special pigments.
BASF takes over the worldwide construction chemicals business from Degussa AG, Germany. This includes production sites and sales centers in over 50 countries, as well as a research and development center in Trostberg, Germany.
The takeover of the resins specialist Johnson Polymer is also finalized by BASF, thereby rounding off its resins portfolio with water-based technology and strengthening the market presence of the company, especially in North America.
 | | | Catalyst testing in Union, New Jersey, USA. By integrating Engelhard into BASF, both companies' strong talent, technology and unique applications expertise shall be leveraged to the full extent. | |
BASF opens its first research center for nanotechnology in Asia. Up until 2008, €13 million will flow into the new center in Singapore.
Toray BASF PBT Resin Sdn. Berhad, a 50:50 joint venture of BASF AG and Toray Industries Inc., Japan, commences operation according to plan of its worldscale plant for the production of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) at the Kuantan, Malaysia Verbund site.
BASF, Huntsman and its Chinese partners celebrate commissioning of the integrated isocyanates production complex at the Chemical Industry Park in Shanghai, China. This is BASF's second largest investment project in China. The isocyanates MDI and TDI are important primary products in the production of polyurethanes.
BASF and The Dow Chemical Company lay the foundation stone for the production of propylenoxide (PO) based on hydrogen peroxide (HP) in the world's first HPPO plant at the BASF site in Antwerp, Belgium. Propylenoxide is an important primary product for the polyurethane industry.
Once again BASF enters the renowned Climate Leadership Index. This index includes companies that make a special contribution in the field of climatic change and in reducing greenhouse gases.
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