BASF Establishes New Headquarters for Coatings Division

BASF Establishes New Research Centre for Coatings Division BASF's coatings department is elevating its contribution to customer success through a newly established innovative research centre. BASF Coatings has opened a new research centre for electrocoating operations at its facility in Münster-Hiltrup, Germany. Electrocoating, or cathodic immersion coating (e-coating), protects automotive body surfaces, edges and cavities against corrosion and smooths pre-treated hard metal surfaces, thereby providing an optimal foundation for subsequent paint application. Mathias Schöttke, Chief Executive Officer of BASF Coatings GmbH, said: "We have invested 15 million euros in our new facility at the Münster plant. At BASF, the health and safety of our colleagues is of great importance. For this reason, we have prioritised ergonomics and occupational safety from the outset, alongside quality and efficiency in the coating process." [caption id="attachment_145394" align="aligncenter"] BASF Coatings' new research centre for electrocoating operations at its headquarters in Münster, Germany.[/caption] Frank Naber, Head of Automotive OEM Coatings Solutions EMEA business unit at BASF Coatings, commented: "In our new e-coating research centre, we can simulate our customers' processes and painting systems. We can coat pre-treated original parts from our customers in a 2,000-litre immersion tank under the conditions of their individual paint lines and bake them in a cell furnace. These parts can be doors, fenders or bonnets." Furthermore, with its two filtration and ultrafiltration systems, the research centre can measure the durability and quality of new e-coatings under customer conditions before the tank is even filled for the first time. Naber noted: "In this way, we ensure that the coating quality of the material is at a very high level as soon as the new e-coating is applied and meets the customer's requirements. Through these technical conditions, we make a significant contribution to our customers' success." [caption id="attachment_145395" align="aligncenter"] Pre-treated original parts can be coated in a 2,000-litre immersion tank and baked in a cell furnace[/caption] The research centre will be used for CathoGuard® 800 e-coating technology, which has already been applied to over 100 million vehicles worldwide. The product operates without organic tin compounds and contains very low solvent levels. Optimised film thickness distribution prevents material damage and ensures full body protection through effective throwing power. The product also contributes to sustainability by reducing wastewater volume, thereby lowering the amount of fresh water required for the process.

About BASF's Coatings Division

BASF's Coatings division is a global specialist in innovative and sustainable original equipment manufacturer (OEM) automotive products, refinish coatings, decorative paints and surface treatments applied to metal, plastic and glass substrates across many different sectors. This portfolio is supported by "Beyond Paint Solutions", which enables new applications on innovative surfaces. We create advanced performance solutions, designs and new applications to meet the needs of our partners worldwide. BASF manages a collaborative network across Europe, North America, South America and Asia-Pacific, leveraging the expertise, knowledge and resources of its interdisciplinary and global teams for the benefit of its customers. In 2021, the Coatings Division achieved global sales of approximately USD 3.44 billion. Source