BASF adding rubber-chemical intermediates plant in China

Nanjing, China – BASF is investing in a second production plant for tert-butylamine (tBA) at BASF Specialty Chemicals Co. Ltd (BSNJ) in Nanjing, China, the company announced 29 July.

Among its main applications, tBA is used as an intermediate to produce vulcanisation accelerators for the rubber and tire manufacturing industries.

With this expansion, BASF said it was increasing its global annual production capacity of tBA by more 30% - without giving further details.

Scheduled for start-up in 2022, the plant will adopt advanced technology which generates minimum amount of by-products, BAS said.

The German chemicals company also operates tBA production plants in Antwerp, Belgium, and Geismar, Louisiana, the US.

“China is the largest chemical market and the growth driver for global chemical production. It is also the global hub of the tire manufacturing industry,” said Dr. Stephan Kothrade, president functions Asia Pacific, president and chairman, Greater China, BASF.

The new plant, according to BASF, renews the company’s commitment to the rubber & tire industry in the region.