Global chemical company BASF officially inaugurated its expanded dispersions production facility in Durban yesterday, marking an important milestone as the company celebrates 60 years of operations in South Africa.
The expansion significantly increases production capacity and strengthens BASF’s ability to supply high-quality dispersions used in the architectural coatings, construction, and paper industries across East, West, and Southern Africa.
This investment is aimed at supporting the growth of regional customers by improving supply reliability and enabling faster responses to market demand.
As the only multinational-owned dispersions production plant in South Africa, the Durban facility remains a critical hub in BASF’s global Europe, Middle East and Africa network.
It is also BASF’s only greenfield investment on the African continent since 2012.
To support the increased production capacity, BASF has established a modern on-site application laboratory. The facility will serve as a centre for technical excellence, enabling closer collaboration with customers and providing enhanced support for the development of locally relevant product formulations.
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba welcomed another major investment in the south of Durban following the expansion of the Badische Anilin- und Soda-Fabrik (BASF) factory.
Mayor Xaba welcomed the company’s investment, noting that it will create additional job opportunities for local communities. He said the investment is a clear indication that eThekwini is on an upward trajectory and that business confidence in the City continues to grow. The Mayor also reaffirmed the Municipality’s commitment to working closely with the business sector to ensure reliable and uninterrupted Municipal services that support investment and economic growth.
Mayor Xaba highlighted the broader economic benefits of the investment.
“This expansion represents a significant boost to the local economy. It supports business growth, strengthens the manufacturing sector, and contributes to job creation. Investments of this nature also have a ripple effect across the value chain, as companies that supply raw materials and services benefit from the growth of industrial activity,” said Mayor Xaba.
Jörg Niebergall, Senior Vice President for Dispersions Europe at BASF, said the investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to the region. “Our investment in Durban demonstrates BASF’s continued commitment to the dynamic African market. Alongside recent expansions in Türkiye and modernisation projects in Germany, this investment strengthens our position as a leading supplier across the Europe, Middle East and Africa region and enhances our ability to support customer innovation.”
The upgrade includes advanced production technology, including the installation of a new reactor that will improve efficiency, increase capacity, and maintain high product quality.
“This expansion will enhance supply reliability and ensure that we continue to deliver excellent product quality to our customers,” said Ruveshen Reddy, Durban Site Manager.
As BASF celebrates six decades of operations in South Africa, the company continues to combine economic growth with social responsibility.
This investment reinforces BASF’s commitment to supporting industrial development and strengthening partnerships that contribute to long-term economic growth in the region.
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