BASF Concentrates on XPS Boards Production at Verbund Site

BASF SE said that by the end of 2017, it will concentrate on production of XPS boards (extruded polystyrene) at its Verbund site in Ludwigshafen, Germany. This will ensure the direct supply of raw materials, optimised logistics, and direct access to research and development facilities.

In view of overcapacity and low margins, the company will discontinue the production of XPS at its Schwarzheide location in Germany in the fourth quarter of this year. There will be no compulsory redundancies.

The welding technology developed for use on insulation boards that is currently in operation at the BASF location in Schwarzheide will be transferred to Ludwigshafen and operated from this location. This contactless, thermal welding process not only enables the manufacture of particularly thick XPS boards (BASF trade name Styrodur) but also paves the way for a variety of interesting material combinations for the insulation material solutions of the future.

“We are implementing this measure to make sure that we remain competitive in those markets in which we are able to generate added value for our customers and for BASF in the long term”, said Klaus Ries, head of global business management styrenic foams, BASF.

“Going forward, the full XPS product range will be available from one location, thus substantially improving our service to customers. With its state-of-the-art facilities and following numerous debottlenecking measures, Ludwigshafen offers sufficient production capacity to guarantee profitable growth,” added Ries.