BASF inaugurates new production site in Singapore to supply farmers in APAC with innovative crop protection solutions

On August 23, BASF inaugurated a new regional production site for its Agricultural Solutions business. The €40 million multipurpose facility has been designed to initially handle six different formulation technologies and will enable BASF to supply crop protection products to farmers across Asia Pacific from a strategic location in the region. The site has initial production capacity of 7,000 kl per year – enough to supply over 20 million hectares of farmland – and employs a staff of over 30 technicians and professionals. The site represents an important investment by BASF in Singapore, which now has four production facilities in the republic.

BASF has recently launched several new innovations in Asia Pacific targeted at helping farmers of key crops – including rice and fruits & vegetables – combat pests and boost yields in a more sustainable manner. These include crop protection products based on the company’s new active ingredients Inscalis^®, and Revysol^® – patented innovations which help farmers control insects and diseases in crops. Products featuring these two active ingredients – as well as several soon-to-be launched products from the company’s innovation pipeline – will be produced at the new site.

BASF has been present in Singapore since 1978, supplying customers from various industries, including chemicals, construction, electronics, personal care, health and nutrition. The addition of the new Tuas site is a demonstration of the strengthening of its commitment to Singapore and market presence in the region. Singapore’s position as a key logistics hub with multiple free trade agreements with most countries in Asia Pacific will ensure that BASF can respond even more effectively to meet the needs of customers and farmers in the region.

From BASF, the site was inaugurated by Simone Barg, Senior Vice President Agricultural Solutions Asia Pacific and Dr. Carola Richter, President Asia Pacific (excl. China). They were joined by Ow Kai Onn, Vice President & Head of Chemicals & Materials from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and Loh Yew Pong, Deputy Director Energy & Chemicals Cluster, Jurong Town Corporation (JTC).

Speaking at the inauguration, Kai Onn shared how EDB and other Singapore government agencies are working together with companies like BASF to foster the growth of the agricultural sector for the benefit of both Singapore and the entire region. ″EDB is delighted to be at the inauguration of BASF’s new Agricultural Solutions regional production site. Through job roles such as process technicians, engineers, production planners and quality assurance chemists, this facility gives Singaporeans and residents opportunities to participate in the global agri-food value chain and contribute to safe, nutritious and affordable crops in our region.

This facility was constructed under a challenging environment in the midst of a global pandemic. Its successful unveiling reflects Singapore’s commitment to being a stable investment destination, a reliable manufacturing hub for specialty chemicals and a strategic location for companies to build a more responsive and resilient supply chain for their customers in Asia.″

Dr. Carola Richter added: ″The site inauguration today represents another important step in our ongoing commitment to our customers and partners in Asia Pacific. Agricultural Solutions is a key part of BASF’s business globally and also here in the region. With the cooperation of partners and stakeholders including EDB and JTC, we have been able to realize our ambition to have more ‘made in Asia’ products available for our customers. This enables us to more quickly and efficiently respond to the needs of farmers in the region.″

Simone Barg shared that the new production site has been a significant achievement by the team, which further strengthens BASF’s ongoing commitment to supporting more sustainable agriculture. ″With our new Tuas site, we will be able to more effectively help famers in Asia Pacific improve the productivity and sustainability of their farms. We are very optimistic about the future of agriculture in the region, and the potential for Singapore to help serve as a hub for Asia Pacific. Today's site inauguration is a major achievement by the team here, they have delivered this project both safely and on time – with more than 700,000 safe manhours reached. This is a significant success – especially with the challenges created by COVID-19 – and we can’t wait to get started with our first deliveries of our innovative, sustainable crop protection solutions. BASF is committed to Asia Pacific and to supporting farming, the biggest job on earth.″