BASF opens production site of construction chemicals in Saint Petersburg

“We aim to further enhance the presence of BASF in Russia as well as to focus on the development in promising Russian regions”, Christoph Roehrig, head of BASF in Russia and CIS, marked.

Three production lines

The new plant has three lines which produce, respectively, concrete additives, alkali-free concrete setting accelerators, and tunneling shield lubricants. The company’s product range includes a number of solutions launched into production in 2016 and 2017. The entire range of concrete additives is produced at the plant are below others additives based on lignosulfonates and naphthalenesulfonates as well as on polycarboxylate esters and polyaryl ether. The production also allowed the company to localise the entire production of materials for sprayed concrete and tunneling shield lubricants.

Powerful export potential

“Opening of a new production site will help to fully meet the high demand for these solutions, particularly in the North-West region, the Ural, Siberia and the Volga Federal Districts, and in other regions of Russia”, Sergey Vetlov, Managing Director of BASF Construction Systems, said. He also announced export plans: “The line for tunneling shield lubricants has a powerful export potential. After satisfying the needs for these solutions of local companies we intend to arrange the supply of products abroad. This also determines the choice of the region – Petersburg has excellent logistics capabilities in terms of sea freight”.

Investments of EUR5 million

Investments in the new production facility at this stage amounted to about EUR5 million. The plant has its own quality control laboratory to ensure a high level of quality corresponding to Russian and European standards. In addition, a development center was opened at the plant where new products and compounds will be created, including those customized based on the requirements of a particular region.