BASF, Continental to aid tsunami relief efforts

LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany (Jan. 3)--The board of executive directors of BASF A.G. has agreed to provide $1.3 million in aid to victims of the tsunami disaster in Asia.

The major global chemical concern said employees worldwide also will be given the chance to make donations to help the victims of the catastrophe, and that it will match the amount donated by its workers through Jan. 31.

"The damage resulting from this once-in-a-century disaster is unimaginable. It is our utmost concern to help the people in need. Therefore, we call on all our workers to make a donation," BASF Chairman Jurgen Hambrecht said in a joint letter from the board of executive directors, the works council and the committee of executive representatives.

The exact use of the donations will be decided together with local companies and aid organizations.

BASF has sites in the affected countries, but none directly in the affected areas, according to a statement, adding that BASF companies in the region already have made initial donations to help the victims.

BASF Asia Pacific's incident-management procedures were triggered immediately after the disaster to verify the safety of employees of all companies and sites in countries damaged by the tsunami.

Continental A.G. is contributing $500,000 in aid to tsunami victims. The tire maker said it is working with aid organizations to determine whether a portion of the amount should be donated in the form of material resources.

One possibility would be to provide portable 300,000 liter fuel tanks made by ContiTech A.G. for use in the crisis region. Tires for off-road vehicles from Conti production in Malaysia also could be contributed, the company said in a statement.

In addition, Continental is asking its employees to contribute to public fundraising efforts.

From Rubber & Plastics News

Press release from Continental