BASF has announced it will expand output capability of its world-scale production plant for tertiary Butylamine (tBA) at the Nanjing Chemical Industry Park in China by 60%.

Under the plan, capacity will rise from 10,000 t/y at present to 16,000 t/y by 2015, provided regulatory authorities approve.

BASF said the additional capability for the primary aliphatic amine used as an intermediate in production of accelerators for the rubber and tire industry as well as a building block for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals will "further strengthen" its leading position as a global supplier to the rubber and tire industry.

"The expansion will enable us to continue meeting the notably increased demand of our customers in Asia, especially China, reliably out of our local assets in China," said Guido Voit, senior vice president, BASF Intermediates Asia Pacific.

In addition to Nanjing, BASF produces tBA in Geismar, Louisiana, and in Antwerp, Belgium.