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BASF consolidates its European capacities for XSB paper coating binders

XSB latex production in Guturribay (Spain), Kaipiainen (Finland) and Ribécourt (France) to close by mid-2010

24 Nov 2009 - BASF’s paper chemicals division will close production of XSB (carboxylated styrol butadiene) paper coating binders at its sites in Guturribay (Spain), Kaipiainen (Finland) and Ribécourt (France) by mid-2010. This represents a reduction of about 40%, or 310KT, of the company’s total XSB capacity in Europe. By consolidating production at its plants in Hamina (Finland), Ludwigshafen (Germany) and Pischelsdorf (Austria), BASF will significantly increase capacity utilization at those plants while improving its cost structure.
 
With production concentrated in these three locations, BASF will be well positioned to meet demand throughout Europe. BASF will work with employee representatives to develop appropriate social plans for its 40 employees at the plants to be closed.
 
BASF’s paper coating binder business is suffering from unsatisfactory profitability due to overcapacities in the European market, which has shrunk steadily in recent years. The decision to consolidate production was based on a thorough analysis of all six of BASF’s XSB plants in Europe with respect to their cost position and investment requirements.
 
"With this move, we are adapting our production capacities to changes in customer demand, and the new set-up will give BASF a welldistributed network of production sites for supplying our customers throughout Europe. Through optimal utilization of the three remaining plants, we can position ourselves for the future,” said Eckhard Hilgemann, Group Vice President Coatings & Starch Europe of BASF’s Paper Chemicals division.
 
Dr. Fred Baumgartner, President of BASF’s Paper Chemicals division: "With these measures, we are taking a significant step in the urgently needed restructuring of BASF’s Paper Chemicals division and ensuring our profitability in the long term.”