BASF has entered the third and final phase of its methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) expansion project at its Verbund site in Geismar, Louisiana. The company will increase production capacity to approximately 600,000 metric tons per year by the middle of the decade to support the ongoing growth of its North American MDI customers.

The investment for this final expansion phase, which takes place from 2022 to 2025, amounts to $780 million. Including the first and second phases, the investment volume totals around $1 billion, making the MDI expansion project BASF’s largest wholly owned investment in North America.

“BASF already ranks among the largest and most forward-looking chemical companies in the United States,” said Michael Heinz, chairman and chief executive officer, BASF Corp. “Through this investment, we demonstrate our commitment to meeting the needs of our customers while strengthening our foundation for continued growth in the important U.S. market.”

The third and final phase will add new upstream units and a splitter. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology, the expansion will showcase the highest safety standards combined with advanced digitalization in its operations. Clay Schexnayder, speaker of the House for the Louisiana State Legislature, was present for a ceremonial ‘tilling-of-the soil’ to officially mark the groundbreaking of the final phase of the expansion.

“We are committed to continuing the success story together with our North American MDI customers,” said Stefan Doerr, senior vice president, Monomers North America. “BASF is investing to support our customers in various industries with significant growth potential in MDI applications, including transportation, automotive, footwear, and furniture.”

For more information, visit: https://www.basf.com.