- First BASF construction chemicals plant in Pakistan
- Karachi plant will produce chemicals for rapidly growing building and infrastructure segments, including Lowari Tunnel
On December 17, 2008, BASF inaugurated its first construction chemicals production site in Pakistan, at Landhi, Karachi. The facility will provide a stable supply of high quality products to the construction industry across Pakistan. BASF will also open a new office in Islamabad on December 18 to better serve growing customer needs in northern Pakistan.
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| EB’s first production site in Pakistan is inaugurated. |
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“With a successful presence in Pakistan stretching back 40 years, the opening of this new Karachi plant marks a key step in our long-term commitment in this market,” said Dr. Tilman Krauch, President, Regional Functions and Country Management. “In Pakistan there is a large demand for strong buildings, schools, houses, and offices that can be constructed quickly and cost-effectively, but last a long time. The easy availability of our high quality construction chemicals, produced locally in Pakistan, will add value to the construction industry and the development of the country in building structures that are safer and more durable.”
Industry representatives and BASF’s senior executives officiated at the ceremony, including Dr. Tilman Krauch, as well as Mr. Mark Volmer, Group Vice President, responsible for BASF Construction Chemicals Asia Pacific and Mr. Quazi Sajid, Managing Director of BASF Pakistan.
The plant will formulate a broad range of product systems. These range from concrete admixtures, to alkali free accelerators for underground construction, waterproofing systems, precision grouting systems, concrete repair systems and protective flooring systems.
“As the leading supplier of construction chemicals, BASF is committed to providing a consistent and timely supply across Asia Pacific. Local production brings us closer to our customers in Pakistan and enables us to respond rapidly to the increasing demands of various construction activities, which include roads, bridges, hydropower stations, dams, tunnels, industrial facilities, commercial and residential buildings,” commented Mr. Volmer. “In addition, customers will benefit from our skilled employees and technical expertise.”
BASF is currently supporting major construction projects throughout Pakistan, including the Lowari Tunnel mega project. The eight-kilometer-long tunnel will reduce by half the 14-hour drive from mineral-rich Chitral to Peshawar, facilitating all-weather transportation. With an investment of Rs.8 billion (approximately 79 million euros), this long awaited tunnel is expected to be completed in 2009.
“Our new Karachi plant and Islamabad office are well positioned to offer a total solution for the construction of Lowari Tunnel,” Mr. Volmer added.
BASF’s Construction Chemicals business in Pakistan is supporting the construction of the Lowari Tunnel with the following:
- High-performance concrete admixtures and accelerators that are able to increase the construction efficiency, quality and durability for this high-altitude construction structure in tough terrain
- Superior logistics to ensure a stable supply, despite the location of the job site and the difficulties to access it
- Professional technical support to troubleshoot problems