Around 50 new jobs will be created as a result of the expansion.
BASF’s hopes that its global compounding capacity for PA and PBT will be more than 700,000 metric tons per year within the next two years.
In Shanghai earlier this year, the firm more than doubled its compounding capacities for the two materials and also increased the capacities for thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
In Korea a plant for compounding Ultramid and Ultradur started operations in October.
Ultramid and Ultradur are processed into high-performance components in the automotive industry, the electrical and electronics sector as well as in the construction and furniture industries.
They are used for car seat structures, oil pans, engine mounts, sensors and connectors, chairs and fixings.
“With this expansion we strengthen our leading position in engineering plastics in Europe”, said Melanie Maas-Brunner, head of BASF’s performance materials Europe division.
“By investing in highly efficient plants we help our customers to meet the increased demands on the materials, e.g. for large-volume and globally manufactured components in the automotive industry.
“As a reliable partner we thus support the growth of our customers and help them to overcome challenges such as lightweight construction and emission reduction with innovations.”