BASF has opened a new application center in Mangalore, India for the development of automotive OEM coatings and to provide customer support to the Indian automotive market segment.

“This state-of-the-art center allows us to work very closely with our automotive customers in India and provide them with tailor-made solutions,” said Dr. D. Ramkumar, chief executive of BASF Coatings in India. “It will help us to significantly strengthen our offerings to an automotive market that is growing strongly.”

The new application center, which was inaugurated by Dr. Andreas Kreimeyer, member of the board of executive directors of BASF Aktiengesellschaft, offer the state-of-the-art testing facilities such as conveyorized, advanced electrostatic bell applicators. It also allows simulation of the conditions of any paint booth.

“BASF Coatings is well positioned in both Asia-Pacific and in India and has ambitious goals for all of its three coatings business units—automotive OEM coatings, automotive refinish and coil coatings,” said Kreimeyer. “Our investment underscores our commitment to our customers in this important market.”

“The automotive sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in India,”
said Prasad Chandran, chairman of the BASF Group in India. “BASF in India, with its global network and exchange of experience, is a committed partner in this growth. The Coatings Application Center is a further step in achieving supporting our strategic guideline of helping our customers to be more successful.”