BASF is upgrading production of its Koresin brand phenolic resin at the group's Ludwigshafen, Germany, headquarters. As part of the effort, capacity is being expanded by 50% with the addition of a second line planned to go on stream in 2014.

Koresin is used as a tackifier in the manufacture of premium tires for aircraft and agriculture vehicles and also goes into abrasion-resistant belt conveyers for heavy loads. BASF said the resin facilitates advance production of traditional as well as modern high-silica rubber formulations, enabling them to be stored and transported for a long period. (dw)