Germany's BASF Coatings is taking a bold step into the future with the opening of its state-of-the-art 'Lean Lab' at its Wuerzburg site. This cements its position as a leader in digitalization, occupational safety, efficiency, and sustainability. 

 

The lab focuses on developing and producing waterborne basecoats for Europe’s automotive industry.

 

"The Lean Lab in Wuerzburg is part of our global rollout. With this infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for modern, digitalized, and flexible product development, reaffirming our commitment to driving innovation and sustainability consistently across all regions,” said Ralf Otte, Vice President, Global Technology, Automotive OEM Coatings at BASF Coatings.

 

The Lean Lab concept is being rolled out at BASF Coatings sites worldwide and tailored to local needs. Its structure is designed for maximum efficiency: the process laboratory handles wet work, the product laboratory focuses on customer support and product optimization, and laboratory services manage raw materials and supplies.

 

Every workstation is ergonomically designed and equipped with cutting-edge IT infrastructure, with all processes fully digitized for efficiency. Its central location near production facilitates close interdisciplinary collaboration, speeding up innovation implementation.

 

The lab also sets new benchmarks for sustainability and compliance. It already meets future EU requirements for raw material classification and occupational safety, while optimized material flows, direct logistics, and centralized space cut CO₂ emissions by 25.1 tons annually. Resource usage is further enhanced through consumption-based material supply.

 

Custom laboratory software and an RFID-based warehouse system ensure transparent, automated processes, including fully digital raw material management. A modern working café boosts creativity, teamwork, and employee well-being.

 

BASF Coatings’ Wuerzburg team now strengthens its role as a global hub for waterborne basecoat development and production, reinforcing the site’s reputation as a key innovation center and an attractive employer in the region.