BASF’s Coatings division has announced the expansion of its e-coat manufacturing facility at its site in Mangalore, India. This strategic move comes in response to the increasing demand for e-coat solutions from local automotive OEM customers in India, as well as customers in the South Asian and ASEAN markets.
Enhancing Automotive Surface Protection:
E-coat, also known as electrophoretic or cathodic dip coating, plays a crucial role in protecting car body surfaces, edges, and cavities from corrosion. Additionally, it smooths out the roughness of pre-treated metal surfaces, providing an ideal foundation for the subsequent layers of paint.
Introduction of Next-Generation Products:
The expanded e-coat manufacturing facility in Mangalore will enable BASF to produce the latest generation of e-coat products, including CathoGuard 800 RE. This product offers advantages such as lower consumption, increased efficiency, and higher reactivity, catering to the needs of electric vehicles.
Seizing Opportunities in India’s Automotive Market:
Patrick Zhao, Senior Vice President of Global Automotive OEM Coatings at BASF, emphasized the booming automotive market in India and the opportunities it presents. He highlighted BASF’s commitment to leveraging innovations, color expertise, and sustainability initiatives to serve the local market effectively.
Milestone Achievements at Mangalore Site:
The BASF site in Mangalore has been operational since 1996 and has now become the company’s largest production facility in South Asia. In 2022, the Coatings division expanded the Automotive Coatings Application Center, utilizing global resources to bring advanced expertise and methodologies to the market.