BASF launches Chemetall Innovation and Technology Center for surface treatment solutions in China

• BASF’s first regional center for applied surface treatment technology in Asia Pacific
• Advanced facility and dedicated expertise will address Asia’s growing demands for customized surface treatment innovations and solutions

The Surface Treatment global business unit of BASF’s Coatings division, operating under the Chemetall brand, opened its first regional innovation and technology center for applied surface treatment technology in Shanghai, China. The new 2,600 square meter center will focus on developing advanced surface treatment solutions and product innovations for a wide range of industries and market segments in Asia, for Asia.

 “The opening of this Innovation and Technology Center is an important pillar of our growth strategy and strengthens our technical and innovation capabilities in Asia Pacific. It shows our commitment to further contribute to and support the long-term success of our customers in the fastest-growing region,” said Christophe Cazabeau, Senior Vice President, Surface Treatment, Coatings Division, BASF.

“Innovation is key to powering growth for BASF. This new center’s ability to develop customized surface treatment solutions closer to the market will further underpin our technology leadership and our customers’ success,” said Dr. Jeffrey Lou, President and Chairman, BASF Greater China.

Equipped with multiple technical capabilities and operated by a highly experienced technology team, the new laboratories can provide a comprehensive range of tests and services including analytical, application, salt spray and climate testing as well as development work on a range of applied surface treatment technologies and applications for various market segments including but not limited to automotive OEM and components, coil, general industry, cold forming, aerospace, aluminum finishing and glass.

“Our regional innovation and technology center will help to accelerate our speed-to-market of cutting-edge surface treatment solutions, drive customer-centric product development and expand our innovation pipeline. As an integrated technical hub, it can harness the synergies and competencies within our existing global network, as well as our local surface treatment analytical labs in Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand, to better serve the rising market demand for innovative and sustainable solutions in Asia,” said Dr. Mubarik Chowdhry, Head of Global Technology, Surface Treatment, Coatings Division, BASF.

The center also runs various state-of-the-art simulation lines for pre-treatment and coating processes including VIANT, a novel coating technology for corrosion protection.

For more details of the center, please refer to the introductory video.

About BASF’s Coatings division

The Coatings division of BASF is a global expert in the development, production and marketing of innovative and sustainable automotive OEM and refinish coatings, decorative paints as well as applied surface treatments for metal, plastic and glass substrates in a wide range of industries. This portfolio is supplemented by "Beyond Paint Solutions", which enable new applications with innovative surfaces. We create advanced performance solutions and drive performance, design and new applications to meet our partners’ needs all over the world. BASF shares skills, knowledge and resources of interdisciplinary and global teams for the benefit of customers by operating a collaborative network of sites in Europe, North America, South America and Asia Pacific. In 2021, the Coatings division achieved global sales of about €3.44 billion. 

Solutions beyond your imagination – Coatings by BASF. For more information about the Coatings division of BASF and its products, visit www.basf-coatings.com.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.

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