BASF has sold its Batavia, IL coatings manufacturing site, along with its non-core drum and pipe coating business, to Hentzen Coatings, Inc., a Milwaukee, WI-based coatings manufacturer.
As part of a restructuring and streamlining program, BASF had previously transferred its coatings production from Batavia to other sites and had scheduled the Batavia site for closure by the end of 2004. By transferring production to take advantage of existing capacity and investing in its other North American coatings sites, BASF is able to focus its manufacturing resources more efficiently on meeting the needs of its coil and extrusion customers, according to a BASF spokesperson.
“We are extremely pleased to be able to add this first class manufacturing capacity plus an experienced and dedicated work force,” said Al Hentzen, president and CEO. “The newly acquired manufacturing and laboratory facilities will be used to accommodate our current business growth plus expand the acquired business.”
Founded in 1923, Hentzen manufactures liquid and powder coatings for the general industrial, defense and aerospace markets.