BASF Opens Russian Applications Technology Center for PUR Systems in Vsevolozhsk

BASF officially opened its first Russian applications technology center for polyurethane systems in Vsevolozhsk, near St. Petersburg. Like the System House in Nishnekamsk, which went into operation in 2000, this site will also be a part of the BASF joint venture Elastokam with the Russian company OAO Nishnekamskneftechim (NKNC). The area of 2000 m² houses a modern technology center and office space, alongside storage areas and a test laboratory.

This center will provide comprehensive technical services and sales know-how for modern polyurethane systems to quickly and competently serve customers all over Russia and other CIS countries. Equipment installed will make it possible to test PU materials for a wide range of applications in the automotive and construction industries, as well as in CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, Elastomers) related areas. Training programs and practical seminars for the companys customers and partners will also take place within the technology center.

"With our investment into a second Russian site we emphasize the significance of this region for BASF and show our local customers that we want to be their preferred partner by supporting their growth requirements" stated Raimar Jahn, President BASF Polyurethanes. "This investment is part of the systematic implementation of our successful worldwide strategy of having sites that are close to the customer which will strengthen our leadership position in the polyurethanes market."

Dr. Uwe Hartwig, Senior Vice President BASF Polyurethanes Europe, stressed: "This new site will further strengthen our partnership-based customer relations in Russia, particularly in the St. Petersburg and Moscow region. In this way we have created a perfect basis for our customer success in a strongly growing market for polyurethane applications". Hartwig continued: "With its ?PU Solutions approach, BASF is close to its customers and able to speak their language. We can enable our partners to draw on the expertise, solution-finding competence and global presence of BASF in many important industries."

Elastokam is known for 12 years in the Russian PU market. During this period the company has gained knowledge of local customers requirements and technical expectations. Together with our customers we have developed a number of PU systems, adapted to the demands of certain production lines: Elastopor is successfully applied for thermal insulation of pipelines, Elastocool responds to complex technical requirements of local producers of refrigerators and other.

About BASF Polyurethanes

BASF is the leading supplier of Polyurethane Solutions for systems, specialties and PU basic products. With its global network of 39 polyurethane system houses and its comprehensive product and service portfolio, BASF is the preferred partner of its customers in many industries. The BASF brand "PU Solutions Elastogran" represents 50 years of experience of the market and technology leadership for Polyurethane systems and specialty elastomers.

In the extremely service-oriented business of polyurethane systems and specialties, reliable PU experience and competence are crucial. Through its system house network, BASF provides fast local support, from technical service and sales to production and marketing during the development of customized solutions. With its world-scale plants, BASF secures its leading market position in the production of polyurethane basic products in all regions of the world.

Polyurethanes make life more comfortable, safer and more pleasant while helping to save energy sustainably. They contribute towards improved insulation of buildings and more attractive, lightweight design of cars. Producers of shoe soles, sports equipment, mattresses and household goods, use the unique advantages that polyurethanes provide, along with the knowledge and expertise of the polyurethane experts of BASF world-wide.

About Elastokam

The BASF joint venture Elastokam in Nishnekamsk has been producing polyurethane systems for over 10 years. During this period the company has gained a strong market position in polyurethane system solutions. Among benefits of the company are close relations to the cofounders and high quality of the materials. Trademarks Elastopor, Elastospray, Elastopir, Elastoflex, Elastocoat are well known and are supplied to Russian producers working in construction, fridge, automotive, furniture industries.

About BASF