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BASF History. We create chemistry

Discover a company history which shows how chemistry enables new ideas and solutions. For more than 150 years – from 1865 until the recent past.

Responsibility, solutions, global presence and joint success – these topics are like a red thread through BASF history. Milestones of these thematic development lines as well as a chronological account wait to be explored by you.

BASF Corporate History

Do you have questions concerning BASF's history? Or do plan to visit BASF Corporate Archives? Please, contact BASF Corporate History!

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Explosions in 1943 and 1948

In 1943 and 1948, violent explosions shook the site in Ludwigshafen am Rhein. At first glance, the causes and the aftermath of both explosions on today’s BASF SE site premises are extremely similar. Both gas cloud explosions claimed countless lives, destroyed infrastructure and were hugely traumatizing – yet they were handled very differently at the time of their occurrence.

What do we know today about the causes of the two disasters? Who were the victims? How are they commemorated? The multimedia page examines these and other questions from different perspectives.

1943 and 1948 explosions

BASF History in Figures

Besides BASF’s opening balance sheet from 1865, you will find available annual reports of the company here. They reflect numerically how BASF developed from its foundation until today.

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The Aniline Women

In 1890, BASF hires the first nurses to provide medical care for its employees. In 1918, the first female chemist is employed in the ammonia laboratory. The first female authorized officer is appointed in 1964 and Margret Suckale is the first woman to be appointed to BASF's Board of Executive Directors in 2011. Therefore, the history of women at BASF is almost as long as the history of the company itself. The booklet "The Aniline Women" focusses on the history of women at BASF. It provides insights into the living and working condition of women since the 19th century until today. In addition, it portrays selected personalities who have coined the image of BASF as well as the image of women at BASF.