BASF to invest in restructuring its stilbenics production unit at McIntosh, Alabama facility

CHARLOTTE, NC, July 28, 2011 (Press Release) - In an effort to strengthen its competitiveness in the paper industry, BASF has begun a restructuring project in the stilbenics unit at its manufacturing site in McIntosh, Alabama. The unit manufactures Tinopal optical brighteners for the paper industry. The project is planned to take place over a two year period with completion anticipated by 2013.

The McIntosh manufactured Tinopal^® line of optical brightening agents, combined with the Pergasol^® dyes and Solar^® pigments manufactured at BASF's Altamira, Mexico site, make up BASF's industry leading whiteness management program for the North American paper industry.

"The McIntosh whitener facility and the Altamira dyes and pigments plant provide the paper industry with a complete range of top quality colors and brighteners," said Ted Kelly, VP Wet End Chemicals, North America for BASF. "The fact that these products are manufactured locally in North America is a strong advantage that we offer our customers who can rely on BASF's supply chain. The investments we are making in North America will improve our competitiveness and strengthen our ability to serve our customers here."

Tinopal, Pergasol and Solar are registered trademarks of BASF SE.

About BASF's Paper Chemicals division

BASF's Paper Chemicals division offers process chemicals to optimize costs and increase machine efficiency, functional chemicals to lend specific properties to paper, and finishing chemicals to improve the appearance and performance characteristics of printed paper and board. With this comprehensive portfolio, BASF is the leading supplier of paper chemicals worldwide. BASF established Paper Chemicals as a separate division when it acquired Ciba in April 2009. The ISO 9001-certified Paper Chemicals division operates sites in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

BASF - The Chemical Company

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has approximately 16,400 employees in North America, and had sales of $17.7 billion in 2010.

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, and agricultural products to oil and gas. As a reliable partner, BASF creates chemistry to help its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges, such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than €63.9 billion in 2010 and had approximately 109,000 employees as of the end of the year.