BASF Boosts Crop Protection Production Capacity in South America
10 June 2013 BASF said it will spend more than $66.3 million to expand its crop protection production capacity in its Guaratinguetá chemical complex in Brazil, and it will open a new biologicals plant in Chile this year.
“This initiative will considerably enhance local production and build on the investments BASF has made in South America in recent years. It also reinforces our commitment to accelerate business growth in the region through innovation and new technologies,” said Markus Heldt, President, BASF’s Crop Protection division, on a recent visit to Brazil.
Heldt also stressed that after the investment is completed, the company will increase exports of products from Brazil to other BASF units globally. “With these investments, we will further balance the production capacity of BASF across the world,” Heldt said.
According to BASF, part of the investment is allocated to the expansion of the manufacturing plant for the fungicide boscalid, a key active ingredient used to fight diseases in crops such as canola, cereals, coffee, fruits and vegetables. The expansion is planned to be completed by the end of June 2013.
The company will also invest in a formulation plant for its carboxamide fungicide, Xemium. The product, which is in its final phase of registration in Brazil, will help growers to control soybean rust and diseases affecting more than 20 crops. The plant is expected to be ready by mid-2014.
BASF said its Guaratinguetá complex will also receive a new plant investment to formulate Heat, its latest herbicide which recently received registration in Brazil. The herbicide is used to control broadleaf weeds, including those that have become resistant to other herbicides. The plant is expected to be ready in the second half of 2014.
“With these latest investments, the BASF Crop Protection Unit reinforces its strong commitment to deliver innovation and strengthen its position in continuously growing agricultural markets as Latin America,” the company added.
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