On August 23, BASF inaugurated a new regional production site for its Agricultural Solutions business
The multipurpose facility worth US$39.9mn has been designed to initially handle six different formulation technologies, and will enable supply of crop protection products to farmers across the Asia Pacific from a strategic location in the region. The site having an initial production capacity of 7,000 kl per year is enough to supply over 20 million ha of farmland, and employs a staff consisting of over 30 technicians and professionals. The site represents an important investment by BASF in Singapore, which now has four production facilities in the republic.
Several new innovations have recently been launched in the Asia Pacific, aiming to help farmers of key crops including rice, and fruits and vegetables to combat pests and boost yields sustainably. Crop protection products based on the company’s new active ingredients Inscalis, and Revysol are some examples of patented innovations which help farmers control insects and diseases in crops. Products that feature these two active ingredients along with several soon-to-be launched products from the company’s innovation pipeline will be produced at the new site. Since 1978, BASF has been supplying customers from various industries, including chemicals, construction, electronics, personal care, health and nutrition. The addition of the new Tuas site demonstrates the strengthening of its commitment to Singapore and market presence in the region. Singapore’s position as a key logistics hub with multiple free trade agreements with most countries in the Asia Pacific ensures that BASF can effectively respond to meet the needs of customers and farmers in the region.
The site was inaugurated by Simone Barg, senior vice president of Agricultural Solutions Asia Pacific, and Carola Richter, president of Asia Pacific. They were joined by Ow Kai Onn, vice president and head of chemicals and materials from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) along with Loh Yew Pong, deputy director of Energy and Chemicals cluster, Jurong Town Corporation (JTC). At the inauguration, Kai Onn shared how EDB and other Singapore government agencies were working together with companies like BASF to foster the growth of the agricultural sector to benefit both Singapore and the entire region.
“EDB is delighted to be at the inauguration of BASF’s new Agricultural Solutions regional production site,” said Kai. “Through job roles such as process technicians, engineers, production planners and quality assurance chemists, this facility gives Singaporeans and residents opportunities to participate in the global agri-food value chain and contribute to safe, nutritious and affordable crops in our region,” he added.
Carola Richter also mentioned that the site inauguration represented another important step in their ongoing commitment to customers and partners in the Asia Pacific. “With the cooperation of partners and stakeholders including EDB and JTC, we have been able to realise our ambition to have more ‘made in Asia’ products available for our customers. This enables us to more quickly and efficiently respond to the needs of farmers in the region,” she said. In addition to this, Simone Barg shared that the new production site had been a significant achievement by the team, which further strengthens BASF’s ongoing commitment to supporting more sustainable agriculture.
“With our new Tuas site, we will be able to more effectively help famers in Asia Pacific improve the productivity and sustainability of their farms. This is a significant success, especially with the challenges created by COVID-19. We can’t wait to get started with our first deliveries of our innovative, sustainable crop protection solutions,” she added.
