BASF celebrates 20 years of MDI production in Yeosu

BASF broke ground for the construction of the Yeosu MDI plant in 1991, and successfully began commercial production in 1992. According to the company, through strategic expansion and investments in efficient production processes, the site has been providing consistent high quality MDI to local and international customers for the past 20 years and is now the largest MDI producer in Korea.

Dr. Ramkumar Dhruva, Senior Vice President of Polyurethanes, BASF Asia Pacific said, “We aim to help our customers become more successful by bringing this crucial raw material to Korean industry safely, reliably and sustainably. For the past two decades, BASF’s achievements at the Yeosu site have shown how a commitment to teamwork and excellence can build a world-class facility that truly helps accomplish this goal.”

BASF said demand for MDI has increased as the need for energy efficient and lightweight materials continues to grow. In June of this year, the company expanded the capacity of the MDI facility in Yeosu from 190,000 t/y to 250,000 t/y.

Woo-Sung Shin, managing director of BASF Korea said “The BASF Yeosu site has become a key strategic MDI facility globally. Materials produced at Yeosu site are recognized for their high quality, and support the local economy through international exports. With continuous investment in Korea, BASF aims to discover new opportunities that directly foster the growth of important local industries.”

Around 150 members of the BASF community, including former BASF Korea executives and the site’s local Community Advisory Panel, gathered at the Yeosu site to celebrate the occasion.

The BASF site in Yeosu is currently the largest MDI producer in Korea and also operates facilities that produce MNB (mononitrobenzene), TDI, and Aniline, as well as a polyurethane system house. The site has been designated a “Green Company” by the Ministry of Environment since April 1996.