BASF acquires filament producer Innofil3D

• Innofil3D BV will play a central role in BASF’s production of filaments for 3D printing

BASF New Business has acquired 100% of the filament producer Innofil3D, headquartered in Emmen, Netherlands. Approval from antitrust authorities is not required. “With this acquisition, BASF is moving one step further along the value chain and can now provide not only plastic granulate for 3D printing but also the next processing level: the filaments,” said Volker Hammes, Managing Director at BASF New Business.

Innofil3D is a leading producer of high-value customized filaments (long, thin plastic fibers) that are used in fused filament fabrication, a special 3D printing process that manufactures items layer by layer from meltable plastic. The functionality of the printed item is determined not only by the plastics, but also by the consistently high quality of the filaments. The Dutch company’s product range will add thermoplastic filaments for 3D printing to BASF’s portfolio. “Following the recently announced establishment of BASF 3D Printing Solutions, based in Heidelberg, Germany, this is another important step in strengthening our 3D business,” explained Hammes.

Innofil3D will continue its current business activities and will also become a key development and production platform for filaments. “Innofil3D’s well-filled product pipeline in combination with BASF’s plans to develop high-performance filaments will form an important foundation of BASF’s solutions for layered 3D printing,” said Hammes. The experienced and successful Innofil3D team will further strengthen the BASF 3D Printing Solutions team.

“We are very happy to be part of BASF. One of the first immediate advantages is that this will accelerate the further development of the newest filament technologies, making us even better able to help our customers be successful now and in the future,” explained Jeroen Wiggers, Managing Director of Innofil3D.

About BASF New Business
BASF New Business GmbH (BNB) searches out long-term trends and innovative topics in industry and society as well as future markets, analyzes their growth potential and checks whether potential new business areas are suitable for BASF. The activities are focused on the client sectors transportation, building and construction, consumer goods, health & nutrition, electronics, agriculture and energy & resources where new business opportunities outside of the existing businesses of BASF are identified. The most promising topics are built up as new business areas for BASF by the subsidiary. BASF New Business concentrates on new chemical-based materials, technologies and system solutions. BNB also promotes technological progress through the development of new products. To evaluate the technology and the market, BNB works closely with BASF‘s global research platforms and the divisions. In addition, BASF New Business cooperates with research institutes, universities, startups and industrial partners. The subsidiary BASF Venture Capital invests directly in startups that work in strategically relevant technology fields. More information at www.basf-new-business.com.

About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 114,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of about €58 billion in 2016. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at: www.basf.com.

About Innofil3D
Innofil3D B.V. was established in 2014 as a spin-off of Applied Polymer Innovations and is located on the Emmtec Industry and Business Park in Emmen, Netherlands. The company develops and produces high-quality printing filaments for fused filament fabrication (FFF) with a focus on engineering materials and has a profound knowledge of 3D FFF printing. The products offer added value to customers, which include distributors, resellers, manufacturers of 3D printers and end users. The company has an international distribution network. Further information at: www.innofil3d.com

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