The Surface Treatment global business unit of the Coatings division of BASF, operating under the Chemetall brand, invested in a state-of-the-art surface treatment site in the Dushan Port Economic Development Zone of Pinghu, Zhejiang province, China. The site – which is planned to be completed by 2021 –  will house production, warehousing, a state-of-the-art laboratory and administrative offices in an ideal environment for manufacturing development.

Asia Pacific is the largest surface treatment market.

“For Chemetall, a strong local presence in China is key to servicing our customers and delivering on the ‘expect more’ brand commitment to deliver the best-customized solutions in the surface treatment industry,” said Martin Jung, SVP, Surface Treatment.

“This investment will create Chemetall’s most comprehensive site globally and enhance our customer support and supply chain to China. It will contribute to the expansion of a broad global portfolio across multiple segments, with quality and environmentally-friendly products and system solutions for diverse market segments. These include automotive, auto components, coil, general industry, cold forming, aerospace, aluminum finishing and glass,” added Mike Watson, VP, Surface Treatment Asia Pacific.

BASF’s Coatings division has frequently invested in China, especially in Shanghai, to further enhance its proximity to customers in the fastest growing region for automotive coatings solutions. Examples are the first regional Automotive Application Center in Asia Pacific at the BASF Innovation Campus Shanghai as well as a world-scale production facility which supports the growing Chinese automotive industry.