BASF opens technical centre for carpets

By David Reed, ERJ staff

Charlotte, North Carolina-BASF Corp. has opened a technical service centre for its carpeting activities in Dalton, Georgia, with improved laboratory equipment that enhances its ability to support customers with application testing.

The company moved its carpeting technical resources to the new unit from the headquarters of BASF's former Fibers division in Dalton, thus keeping its technical support close to the heart of the North American carpet industry.

The 700-m2 facility will employ 12 people in sales, technical service and laboratory applications testing, thus bolstering its technical expertise and support capabilities. New laboratory equipment will be installed for testing base latex samples, latex compounds and carpet production cuts. More specialised equipment at the centre will be used to determine compound rheology, measure humidity in carpet ovens, and monitor tension on tenter frames.

“This investment in new equipment and capabilities in a new location clearly demonstrates BASF's commitment to the carpeting industry,” said Derry Martin, business manager for the firm's carpet latex business in North America.

“In order for us to differentiate ourselves from the competition,” he added, “we are continually enhancing our technical service and are making sure that we are responsive by being close to the customer.”