Global chemical major BASF has strengthened its manufacturing footprint in India with the commissioning of a new dispersions production line at its Mangaluru facility, aimed at meeting growing domestic demand across paints, construction chemicals and paper applications.
The expansion reflects BASF’s long-term strategy to deepen local production capabilities and enhance supply reliability in one of its key growth markets.
Boost to local supply and Asia Pacific integration
According to Andreas Fechtenkoetter, Senior Vice President, Dispersions Asia Pacific at BASF, the additional capacity will improve supply dependability while strengthening integration across the company’s Asia Pacific manufacturing network.
India’s infrastructure push, rapid urbanisation and rising consumption are driving growth in architectural coatings and construction materials. By expanding capacity in Mangaluru, BASF aims to deliver cost-competitive, technology-driven dispersion solutions tailored to Indian climatic and application conditions.
Milind Joshi, Business Director, Dispersions, South Asia, noted that dependable local manufacturing will allow the company to offer faster turnaround and consistent quality to customers in India and neighbouring markets.
Focus on sustainable, performance-led technologies
The new production line will manufacture advanced dispersions under product families such as Acronal® and Basonal®. These are widely used in architectural paints, waterproofing systems and specialty paper coatings.
In architectural coatings, low-VOC and low-odour formulations are designed to enhance stain and scuff resistance while contributing to healthier indoor environments. For construction applications, the dispersions offer high tensile strength and elongation properties suited for next-generation waterproofing membranes, sealants and floor coatings.
In the paper and packaging segment, high-solids binders and low product carbon footprint solutions are expected to support sustainability goals while improving coating performance.
With this investment, BASF reinforces its commitment to India’s manufacturing ecosystem while aligning with its broader Asia Pacific growth strategy.