The Surface Treatment global business unit of BASF’s Coatings division, operating under the Chemetall brand, opened its first regional innovation and technology center for applied surface treatment technology in Shanghai, China.

The new 2,600 square meter center will focus on developing advanced surface treatment solutions and product innovations for a wide range of industries and market segments in Asia.

“The opening of this Innovation and Technology Center is an important pillar of our growth strategy and strengthens our technical and innovation capabilities in Asia Pacific. It shows our commitment to further contribute to and support the long-term success of our customers in the fastest-growing region,” said Christophe Cazabeau, Senior Vice President, Surface Treatment, Coatings Division, BASF.

“Innovation is key to powering growth for BASF. This new center’s ability to develop customized surface treatment solutions closer to the market will further underpin our technology leadership and our customers’ success,” said Dr. Jeffrey Lou, President and Chairman, BASF Greater China.

Equipped with multiple technical capabilities and operated by a highly experienced technology team, the new laboratories can provide a comprehensive range of tests and services including analytical, application, salt spray and climate testing as well as development work on a range of applied surface treatment technologies and applications for various market segments including but not limited to automotive OEM and components, coil, general industry, cold forming, aerospace, aluminum finishing and glass.

“As an integrated technical hub, it can harness the synergies and competencies within our existing global network, as well as our local surface treatment analytical labs in Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand, to better serve the rising market demand for innovative and sustainable solutions in Asia,” said Dr. Mubarik Chowdhry, Head of Global Technology, Surface Treatment, Coatings Division, BASF.

The center also runs various simulation lines for pre-treatment and coating processes including VIANT, a novel coating technology for corrosion protection.

Official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the launch of the Chemetall Innovation and Technology Center.

From left to right: Markus Wittig, Director, Global Supply Chain and Operations, Surface Treatment; Jin Hui, Managing Director, Shanghai Chemetall Chemicals Co., Ltd.; Dr. Jeffrey Lou, President and Chairman, BASF Greater China; Dr. Mubarik Chowdhry, Head of Global Technology, Surface Treatment; Dr. Han Wei, Vice President, Innovation Campus Asia Pacific and Lucia Königsmann, General Manager, BASF Shanghai Coatings Co., Ltd.