BASF to concentrate glufosinate-ammonium production

Date:10-13-2020

• Production site at Muskegon, Michigan (USA), and one production plant in Knapsack (Germany) to be closed by 2022

• Core component to strengthen BASF’s competitive positioning in the non-selective herbicide segment

BASF will close its site in Muskegon, Michigan (USA), and one out of three production plants at its site in Knapsack (Germany). These sites produce glufosinate-ammonium (GA), a non-selective herbicide, and its intermediates. The closures are expected to be finalized by 2022 at the latest; in total, they will affect around 100 employees. In future, production will be concentrated at the remaining plants and sites in Germany, the United States, as well as Canada.

“This step is part of further developing the GA business long-term to strengthen BASF’s competitive positioning in the non-selective herbicide segment to better serve our customers,” said Vincent Gros, President of BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division. “We remain committed to the GA product line, as the recently announced acquisition of the Glu-LTM technology from AgriMetis LLC shows.”

Detailed timelines for the planned plant and site closures will be worked out in the coming months. Employee representatives will be involved according to local rules and regulations. Wherever possible the company will support employees to pursue other opportunities within BASF Group.