The Surface Treatment global business unit of the Coatings division of BASF, operating under the Chemetall brand, has started construction of its surface treatment site in the Dushan Port Economic Development Zone of Pinghu, Zhejiang province, China. The new site is expected to commence operation in the first quarter of 2021.

“Our growth and investment plans go hand in hand with our customers’ expansion plans. The new facility is the largest investment in Chemetall’s history. It will meet the growing needs of our customers in China for reliable, high-quality and sustainable surface treatment products and system solutions,” said Christophe Cazabeau, Senior Vice President, Surface Treatment, BASF.

The new site is designed in a highly energy-efficient and sustainable manner, offering the potential for future expansion and the flexibility to adapt to new production requirements in the years ahead. It houses production, administrative offices, a laboratory and a warehouse.

“With the completion of the new site, the ultramodern chemical plant will enable us to produce a comprehensive surface treatment portfolio such as Oxsilan®, our eco-friendly and multi-metal pretreatment process,” said Markus Wittig, Director, Global Supply Chain and Operations, Surface Treatment, BASF.

“Chemetall has been present in China since 1995. Today, we are serving customers from various market segments including but not limited to automotive OEM and components, coil, general industry, cold forming, aerospace, aluminum finishing and glass. The surface treatment site in Pinghu will provide a strong manufacturing base for our business to further strengthen our supply position in China,” added Hui Jin, Managing Director, Shanghai Chemetall Chemicals Co., Ltd.