BASF opens global R&D centre in Mumbai

Global chemical giant, BASF SE, has inaugurated a new global research and development (R&D) centre at its Thane site in Navi Mumbai, India, focusing on organic synthesis, advanced process and formulation research, discovery chemistry for modern agricultural solutions, and molecular modelling. With an initial investment of Euro 2 million, this new facility has been set up by BASF under its group Company, BASF Chemicals India Pvt Ltd. The new R&D facilities will accommodate more than 60 scientists in the first phase.
 
“With our R&D Center in Navi Mumbai we have taken a significant step closer to BASF’s globalisation goal in R&D. By 2020, we plan to conduct 50% of our research activities outside of Europe – one quarter in Asia Pacific. By establishing a global research presence in Mumbai, we will be able to work directly with a wide range of scientific talents in India and take steps towards our strategic goal to innovate from Asia Pacific, for Asia Pacific and the world. We are also currently evaluating further investment options into R&D in Asia Pacific, including India,” said Dr Harald Lauke, President, Biological & Effect Systems Research at BASF.
 
Gops Pillay, President, ASEAN and South and East Asia, and South & East Asia, ASEAN, and Australia/New Zealand, BASF, said, “Market-driven research and development is the cornerstone of BASF’s global ‘We Create Chemistry’ strategy and we are therefore significantly expanding our R&D network in Asia Pacific. With our unique combination of chemistry, application know-how and the new and improved R&D set-up, we are well positioned to work even more closely with our customers and across the region and globally, and help them solve their challenges and develop sustainable solutions.”
 
BASF recently established an Agronomical Research and Development Field Station in Pune, near Mumbai, for its agricultural business. “India is a core market for BASF with a strong scientific community. By enhancing our local R&D presence, together we can realise advances which go beyond the scope of today’s solutions,” said Dr Raman Ramachandran, Head South Asia, Chairman, BASF Companies in India.
 
In 2013, BASF continued the worldwide expansion of its research and development centres, especially in Asia and North America. With an investment of Euro 1.8 billion in R&D, a highly talented workforce of approximately 10,650 employees worldwide, and a research pipeline of 3,000 projects globally, BASF is committed to offering chemistry-based solutions for almost all sectors of the industry. BASF filed around 1,300 new patents worldwide in 2013.
 
In India, BASF maintains a strong R&D presence through its sites in Mangalore and Mumbai, which are part of a global Technology Platform. Strategically located to offer close proximity to key production assets and customers, these facilities support close collaboration between research, development and business teams on site.