BASF Expands Ethylene Oxide Complex in Antwerp
BASF invested over €500 million to increase its production capacity by 400,000 metric tons per year. The expansion includes a world-scale ethylene oxide plant and additional capacities for EO derivatives. This investment aims to meet the rising customer demand for alkoxylates in the home care, industrial & institutional industries, and various industrial applications.
The investment comprises a second world-scale ethylene oxide plant, including capacity for purified ethylene oxide.
“With the new plants we are supporting the continuous growth of our customers and are enhancing our market position in Europe,” says Hartwig Michels, President Petrochemicals, BASF. The investment comprises a second world-scale ethylene oxide plant, including capacity for purified ethylene oxide.
Apart from ethylene oxide, this investment encompasses expanded capacities for alkoxylates, which are ethylene oxide derivatives with versatile applications, including use in detergent and cleaning products, as well as in the automotive and construction industries.
“Acting with the future in mind is key to our continued success in the European market. With this expansion, we will accelerate growth for us and our customers in Europe”, says Mary Kurian, President Care Chemicals, BASF.
The enhanced ethylene oxide and derivatives complex represents a significant investment for the Antwerp site.
“The investment underlines the importance of our site for the BASF-group and creates further opportunities. To operate these world-scale installations, BASF Antwerp welcomed over 100 new colleagues; this number comes on top of the regular hires.”, says Jan Remeysen, CEO of BASF Antwerp.
