September 5, 2013
BASF opens research facility expansion in North Carolina
BASF inaugurated its new US$33 million research facilities in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina, which include 80,000 square feet of office, laboratory and greenhouse facilities.
"This expansion demonstrates BASF''s strong commitment to Agricultural Solutions and strengthens our research and development capabilities," said Peter Eckes, President BASF Plant Science.
The facilities include a climate-controlled greenhouse and laboratories for plant biotechnology research as well as a new environmentally-controlled insect production facility to expand insect control research.
"A significant share of BASF''s insecticide research is conducted in RTP. These larger facilities will enable us to evaluate our promising insecticide candidates faster," said Nevin McDougall, Senior Vice President, BASF Crop Protection North America.
In RTP, BASF manages a total of 480,000 square feet and employs approximately 950 people. RTP serves as headquarters for the North American activities of BASF''s Crop Protection division as well as global headquarters for the Plant Science division. BASF has been a pillar of the North Carolina agricultural industry for the past 27 years, following the 1986 ground breaking of the site.
BASF Plant Science- a BASF group company- is one of the world''s leading companies providing innovative plant biotechnology solutions for agriculture. It is where Innovation Yields Results and has developed an unparalleled gene discovery platform focusing on yield and quality traits in crops such as corn, soy and rice.
BASF''s Crop Protection division provides innovative solutions in crop protection, turf and ornamental plants, pest control and public health. Its portfolio also includes technologies for seed treatment and biological control as well as solutions to manage water, nutrients and plant stress.
BASF is the world''s leading chemical company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. BASF had sales of €72.1 billion (US$95 billion) in 2012 and more than 110,000 employees as of the end of the year.