BASF: The Brightest Star of the Chemical Industry
BASF, the largest chemical producer in the
world, is now 153 years old and its timeline had its fair share of bright and
dark spots. Chemical industry trends 2019 predict stronger days ahead for this
German-based chemical company. But BASF had its fair share of turmoil too which
also includes the time when it was under direct control of the French
authorities following Germany's defeat in World War 2. However, the dark clouds
were soon gone and BASF was refounded in 1952 riding high on the German
economic miracle of the 1950s. This blog highlights some of the key milestone
events that mark BASF over 150-year journey so far.
The Big
Steps
- Founded on 6 April 1865 in
Mannheim (Germany) by Friedrich Engelhorn for production of soda and acids
which are key ingredients in the production of dye.
- Fertilizers were added to the product line in 1913 followed by nylon, polystyrene, and styropor.
- 80% of the BASF production line in
1901 was dedicated to dye stuff.
- The 1960s saw BASF spread its wings beyond German boundaries with production plants all continents of the planet and a greater focus on upstream value chain products like on higher-value products such as pharmaceuticals, coatings, pesticides, and fertilizers.
Following decades saw a series of takeovers
including the likes of Herbal, Wyandotte Chemical Company, Engelhard, Johnson
Polymer, Ciba, Sorex Ltd. Today, BASF commands its strong presence across a
variety of markets like Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Plastics, Performance
Products, Agricultural Solutions, etc.
The
Formula For Success
BASF’s formula for success has been its
strategic shift away from consumer product lines and focus on resource
efficient product lines. The company reported annual revenue of EUR€64.5
billion for FY 2017. The company is currently valued at US€63.7 billion. It has
a 544M authorized capital with 433M paid up capital.
Institutional investors own 75% of BASF shares
out of which maximum shares are held in Germany followed by US and UK
respectively. In India, the company has invested heavily and has 8 production
facilities which include the $100 million crude MDI processing facility complex
in Dahej, Gujarat.
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