 "BASF's new toluene diisocyanate plant at Ludwigshafen (Germany)")
BASF has inaugurated the new toluene diisocyanate (TDI) plant, having an annual capacity of 300,000 metric tonnes, at its Ludwigshafen site in Germany. Built with an investment of over Euro 1 billion, the plant is the largest investment ever made at the site and will create around 200 new jobs.
Dr Kurt Bock, chairman of the board of executive directors of BASF SE, said, “The knowledge contributed to this project by BASF employees from around the world and the outstanding integration into our BASF Verbund make this plant one of the most modern and competitive facilities in the world. This enables us to serve our customers in Europe even better.”
The TDI complex comprises plant components that produce dinitrotoluene (DNT), toluylendiamine (TDA) and toluene diisocyanate. Furthermore, the project involved the updating and expansion of production facilities for key precursors in the Verbund. In addition, BASF made investments in the infrastructure that supplies steam, electricity and water.
TDI, a core component for polyurethanes, is often used in the furniture industry (elastic foams for mattresses, cushions or wood coating) and the automotive industry (seat cushions). BASF operates TDI plants in Yeosu (South Korea), Caojing (China) and Geismar (Louisiana, USA) which have a combined capacity of 4,80,000 metric tonnes. The plant in Schwarzheide, Germany, will gradually be taken out of operation once the plant in Ludwigshafen starts up.
