BASF has begun the previously announced expansion of its vitamin A plant at its Ludwigshafen, Germany, headquarters site. The project announced in 2016 is aimed at upgrading the facility that has been in operation since 1970. With completion, 20 new jobs will be created.

With the expansion of the facility, annual production capacity for pure vitamin A will be increased by 1,500 t/y. BASF is one the world’s leading manufacturers of vitamin A, used in the human and animal nutrition as well as the personal care sector.

Ahead of commissioning at the end of 2020, the group said around 600 machines and devices, 4,000 pipelines and 5,000 measuring points will be integrated into the process control system.

“The world-scale plant will enable us to support our customers’ growth plans. At the same time, it contributes to the competitiveness of the site as it is currently the second largest investment project in Ludwigshafen after the acetylene plant,” said BASF management board member Michael Heinz, who is also site director at Ludwigshafen.