Germany-based BASF has elaborated its potential for chemicals like ethylene oxide and its derivatives at its Verbund site in Antwerp, Belgium.
The move is in sync with the company’s customer-centric corporate strategy. The investment witnesses an addition of 400,000 metric tonnes each year for the said products to the company’s production capacity.
BASF, Petrochemicals President Hartwig Michels says, with the addition of new plants, the company is supporting the growth of the customers and strengthening its position in Europe.
The complex will see the second world-level ethylene oxide plant that has a capacity of purified ethylene oxide. It is worth more than EUR500mn.
The investment also shall include additional capacities for ethylene oxide derivates, alkoxylates that are used extensively in detergents and in cleaning industry. These are also used in construction and automotive industry.
BASF, President Care Chemicals, Mary Kurian said that the key to success in the European market is acting with the future in mind. With this investment, the company will witness the growth of its customers and shall accelerate the growth for itself.
BASF’s CEO Jan Remeysen said that the complex build further opportunities and highlights the importance of the site. More than 100 new employees were recruited for above installations which is ahead of the company’s regular hires.
The expanded ethylene oxide and derivatives complex is a large investment in Antwerp, Belgium for the site.