BASF establishes new R&D team for concrete admixture solutions and technologies in Chigasaki

• Focus on developing innovations that can increase productivity, durability and sustainability for the construction industry
• Complements existing R&D centers around the world to bring innovations to Asia Pacific faster and to meet local needs

Tokyo – September 20, 2016 - BASF is taking concrete innovation one step further by introducing a new research and development (R&D) team at the Chigasaki Technical Development Center (TDC). This new set-up further strengthens the center’s capabilities to develop and offer innovative solutions and new technologies to Japan and Asia Pacific customers in the construction industry.

Takahiro Ikeda, Director of Construction Chemicals, BASF Japan, said, “Innovation is the key driver of our company’s growth. We are building our R&D capacity to meet the growing needs of the construction industry, as well as to bring our R&D closer to our customers in Japan and across Asia Pacific.”

The new set up, comprised of a team of six scientists in the Chigasaki TDC, will first focus on specific innovation needs for improving durability properties of concrete, as well as new technologies to meet Japan’s most demanding construction requirements. The team will work very closely with a globally well-connected R&D network within BASF, to focus on innovations that increase productivity, durability and sustainability for the construction industry.

BASF’s Construction Chemicals division operates ten R&D centers globally including two in the Asia Pacific region, in China and Japan. In Japan, the division operates seventeen offices and production sites throughout the country.

About the Construction Chemicals division

BASF’s Construction Chemicals division offers advanced chemicals solutions for new construction, maintenance, repair and renovation of structures: Our comprehensive portfolio encompasses concrete admixtures, cement additives, chemical solutions for underground construction, waterproofing systems, sealants, concrete repair & protection systems, performance grouts, performance flooring systems, tile fixing systems, expansion control systems and wood protection solutions.

The Construction Chemicals division’s about 5,500 employees form a global community of construction experts. To solve our customers’ specific construction challenges from conception through to completion of a project, we combine our know-how across areas of expertise and regions and draw on the experience gained in countless construction projects worldwide. We leverage global BASF technologies, as well as our in-depth knowledge of local building needs, to develop innovations that help make our customers more successful and drive sustainable construction.

The division operates production sites and sales centers in more than 50 countries and achieved sales of about €2.3 billion in 2015. 

About BASF Japan

BASF started doing business in Japan in 1888. Activities cover four business segments including chemicals, performance products, functional materials & solutions and agricultural solutions. The main production sites are in Chigasaki (admixtures for concrete, construction materials), Kitatone (personal care ingredients), Isohara (plastic additives), Totsuka (coatings), and Yokkaichi (thermoplastic polyurethanes and polymer dispersions). Admixture plants for the Construction Chemicals division are also located nationwide. BASF maintains a strong research and development presence in Japan including the BASF Asia Composite Center, established in the Yokohama Innovation Center (engineering plastics), and the Research and Development Laboratory and Application Technology Center for Battery Materials in Amagasaki. As of the end of 2015, BASF employed 1,209 employees in Japan, and achieved sales of about €1.5 billion to customers in Japan. For further information please visit: www.basf.com/jp.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 112,000 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 more than €70 billion in 2015. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information at www.basf.com.