Reinforcing its strong commitment to support the development of agriculture in Asia-Pacific, BASF Crop Protection opened its first formulation and packaging plant in Yangkou Chemical Industrial Park, Rudong, Jiangsu Province, China. With an annual production capacity of 10,000 metric tons, the new facility will allow BASF to provide tailor products for farmers in the region, including fungicides, insecticides and herbicides solutions.

“This inauguration marks an important milestone of the implementation of BASF’s strategy and our long-term commitment to the Chinese market as the second largest economy in the world,” said Dr. Albert Heuser, President Greater China & Functions Asia Pacific, BASF at the inauguration ceremony. “The demand for higher quality of life in China is ever-rising. I know very well that providing every Chinese person with healthy, safe food is a priority in the agenda. With our innovative solutions we are able to contribute to fulfill the demand for healthy crops”, added Heuser.

Over the past years, BASF Crop Protection has experienced excellent business growth with a substantial sales increase in China.  “We are excited to participate in the vigorous development of Chinese agriculture, an essential source of food for more than 20% of the world´s population. This new formulation and packaging plant allows BASF Crop Protection to offer a broad range of solutions to farmers in Asia Pacific and by this contribute to what we believe is the biggest job on earth: farming,” said Markus Heldt, President Crop Protection, BASF.

In the upcoming five years, BASF Crop Protection plans to increase investment in property, plant and equipment globally, and further participate in the productive and sustainable development of Chinese agriculture. The new plant in Rudong is scheduled to commence end of 2014 and will generate more than 100 new employment opportunities.