FLORHAM PARK, NJ, November 18, 2011 - BASF today announced that the company will transfer production of surfactants and other products manufactured at its Washington, New Jersey, site to Geismar, Louisiana. The Geismar facility is BASF's largest integrated site in North America. The Washington facility will close by the end of 2014.
"Growing our surfactants manufacturing at the Geismar site is another example of BASF's commitment to the care chemicals market," said Dirk Buengel, Senior Vice President, BASF Care Chemicals in North America. "It will position our surfactants business for the future. A new state of the art facility in Geismar offers a sustainable long-term platform for our products.
The Washington site will continue to manufacture products until operations in Geismar are in full production in 2014. The site has 60 employees and 15 contractors.
"We are committed to a sufficient supply overlap that will allow for a smooth transition for our customers," said Buengel. "Our commitment also takes into account the appropriate qualification period required to transition products, including those used in pharmaceutical applications."
The Washington site began surfactant and polyol production in 1961. BASF acquired the facility in 1970. The facility manufactures surfactants used in many consumer, industrial and pharmaceutical applications. The site also makes products used in coatings, agricultural pesticides, metal working products and plastic additives.
"We are very grateful to the team at the Washington site that has run a safe and efficient manufacturing plant for nearly 50 years," said Buengel. "Their dedication and commitment to producing quality products is commendable and we thank them in advance for continuing to produce these products for the next three years."
