International. BASF officially opened the new TDI (Toluene Diisocyanate) plant at its headquarters in Ludwigshafen, Germany. The plant has an annual capacity of 300,000 metric tons of TDI. The total investment, including precursors, is more than $1 billion euros.
For the company, this is the largest investment ever made at the headquarters and will create around 200 new jobs.
The TDI complex comprises plant components that produce DNT (dinitrotoluene), TDA (toluylendiamine) and TDI (toluene diisocyanate). In addition, the project consisted of updating and expanding the production facilities for key precursors in the Verbund. In addition, BASF has invested in the infrastructure that supplies steam, electricity and water.
TDI is a basic component for polyurethanes. It is often used in the furniture industry (elastic foams for mattresses, cushions or wood coatings) and in the automotive industry (seat cushions). BASF operates TDI plants in Yeosu, South Korea; Caojing, China; and Geismar, Louisiana, which have a combined capacity of 480,000 metric tons. The plant in Schwarzheide, Germany, will gradually be taken out of service once the plant in Ludwigshafen starts.
