BASF will increase its annual global capacity for manufacturing the chemical intermediate 1, 6-hexanediol (HDO) by more than 20 percent to more than 50,000 tons per annum by 2014. For this purpose, the company will further optimize its production processes, carry out various infrastructure projects and enhance its logistical processes. BASF will invest more than €30 million. Through these measures BASF will strengthen its position as the globally leading HDO supplier. BASF operates HDO production facilities at its Verbund sites in Freeport, Texas, and Ludwigshafen, Germany.

“By increasing our capacity and further optimizing our operations we respond to the growing demand for innovative high-performance formulations,” said Sanjeev Gandhi, president, BASF Intermediates division, and added, “By aligning with the growth of our customers and ensuring the availability of high-quality HDO we continue to serve our global customers as a reliable partner.”

HDO adds value in many applications. BASF’s customers use the intermediate to manufacture industrial coatings including lower volatile organic compound formulations, polyurethane plastics, adhesives and cosmetics. HDO also serves as a reactive thinner in the formulation of epoxy systems which are used for the efficient production of rotor blades for modern wind turbines as well as construction components for automotive lightweight applications.