BASF adding Basel to European operation

Material supplier BASF will locate its European business unit for plastic additives and the global units for technology management, along with the restructured pigment business, at the former headquarters of Ciba Holding in Basel, Switzerland.

According to a press release, the company has also announced plans to establish a new business centre for Switzerland in Basel, which will provide a platform for sales as well as finance and personnel functions.

Basel will also be home to a BASF research centre focusing on plastics, coatings and paper.

BASF said that Basel would be the headquarters of one of its global operating divisions when it announced its plans to acquire Ciba in September 2008.

According to BASF, the company plans to merge Ciba Holding with BASF Specialty Chemicals Holding.