BASF to double MDI capacity in Louisiana for $87m

Geismar, Louisiana – BASF is to increase capacity for MDI at its 300 kT/year plant here to 600 kT/year in the second phase of an expansion programme.

The company will spend $87m in this phase. It follows a commitment of $150m in the first phase. The expanded plant is likely to come on line in 2021. BASF said that construction will start by the end of 2019.

BASF SVP Stefan Doerr said: 'BASF needs this investment to support the growth of our existing customers.'

He added: 'The Geismar site is ideally suited for this investment. This is thanks to the existing infrastructure, competitive raw materials and favourable business support.'

The decision has delighted Louisiana's governor Jon Bel Edwards. He said: 'We welcome this latest expansion at BASF’s Geismar facility.'