BASF India launches fine chemical catalysts production line in Mangalore, India

Mangalore, India – October 17, 2013 – BASF India Limited today celebrated the launch of its precious metal-based fine chemical catalysts production plant and product development laboratory at the Company’s operating site in Mangalore, India. The plant is BASF’s first precious metal- based fine chemical catalysts manufacturing and development operation in the Asia Pacific region. The catalysts manufactured at the Mangalore plant will allow BASF’s customers to produce fine chemicals including active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), agrochemicals, nutrition components and flavors and fragrances. API and agrochemicals remain critical to the production of new and life-saving drugs and to feeding the world’s increasing population. “BASF is an industry leader in fine chemical catalysts manufacturing and development and we are delighted to establish commercial-scale operations at the Mangalore site,” said Chris Wai, Vice President, Production & Sales, Asia Pacific, Process Catalysts and Technologies, BASF. “We have extensive experience supporting fine chemical producers around the globe, and we look forward to providing high-quality catalyst products and technologies to meet the needs of the fast-growing Indian marketplace.” “We see great market potential in India and the region. The start-up of the facility in Mangalore, India, will allow us to respond to customers even quicker and further enhance our efficiency of logistics and supply of fine chemical products across the country,” said Dr. Raman Ramachandran, Chairman, BASF Companies in India & Head South Asia. The Mangalore site is BASF’s largest manufacturing site in India and in South Asia. Operational since 1996, it is currently engaged in the production of performance chemicals, dispersions and paper chemicals, automotive coatings, coil coatings and construction chemicals. In addition to the Mangalore site, BASF produces precious metal-based fine chemical catalysts at its operating facilities in Rome, Italy, and Seneca, South Carolina. About BASF’s Catalysts Division BASF’s Catalysts division is the world’s leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts. The group offers exceptional expertise in the development of technologies that protect the air we breathe, produce the fuels that power our world and ensure efficient production of a wide variety of chemicals, plastics and other products, including advanced batter­y materials. By leveraging our industry-leading R&D platforms, passion for innovation and deep knowledge of precious and base metals, BASF’s Catalysts division develops unique, proprietary solutions that drive customer success. Further information on BASF’s Catalysts division is available on the Internet at www.catalysts.basf.com. BASF - The Chemical Company BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of €72.1 billion in 2012 and more than 110,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com. About BASF in India BASF has successfully partnered India’s progress for over a century, with all global businesses maintaining a local presence in India today, except for oil & gas. BASF in India maintains excellent performance in environment, health and safety, in line with BASF global and internationally accepted standards. On the social front, our community development activities focus on relief and rehabilitation, women's empowerment, education, and improving governance standards. BASF in India has 2,157 employees at nine production sites, 8 sales offices and two R&D centers. In 2012, BASF registered sales of €1.14 billion to customers in India. For more information contact: Joseph M. Jones Catalysts BASF Corporation Tel: (732) 205-5557 joseph.jones@basf.com Sonal Shah BASF India Tel: + 91 22 66618100 Mobile: +91 98205 66922 sonal.shah@basf.com