BASF will launch a production line for precious metal-based fine chemical catalysts at the company's manufacturing site in Mangalore, India. These catalysts are important for the efficient production of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Start-up of the new production line is slated for the second quarter of 2013. This will mark BASF's first manufacturing operation for chemical catalysts in Asia Pacific.

The Mangalore site is BASF's largest manufacturing site in India and in South Asia. Operational since 1996, it is currently engaged in the production of performance chemicals, dispersions and paper chemicals, automotive coatings, coil coatings and construction chemicals. BASF currently produces precious metal slurry catalysts at its operating sites in Rome, Italy, and Seneca, South Carolina.

Catalysts play a key role in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients, agrochemicals, flavors and fragrances and nutrition components. Optimum catalyst selection and operation ensures the highest process yields and efficiencies.