Astra Polymers, a developer and producer of plastic compounds in the Middle East, has entered into a new cooperative agreement with BASF Plastic Additives Middle East to manufacture customer specific blends (CSB) in Saudi Arabia. The agreement integrates the capabilities of both the companies and brings two innovative technologies for additive blends to clients in the region.
For a number of years, Astra Polymers was operating BASF-owned production lines at its Dammam site to produce CSB. Astra Polymers' experience in the Masterbatch and Compounding field adds significant value to the products and enhances BASF's manufacturing capacities in the region. BASF Plastic Additives is responsible for marketing and selling the CSB products. The collaboration will help BASF to retain its leadership status in the Middle East plastic additives market.
In a recent ceremony held in Dammam, a long-term agreement was signed by BASF Switzerland, BASF Plastic Additives Middle East and Astra Polymers to extend their existing plastic additives production contract.
The Director Business Management Plastic Additives for Africa, Eastern Europe, Western Asia, Says Frank Fasdernes, noted that after the launch of their production facility in Bahrain in the 4Q of 2012, they will continue to work together with Astra Polymers to produce CSB in Saudi Arabia.
John Frijns, SVP of Plastic Additives Europe/EAWA, remarked that the combined global production capacity of BASF for antioxidants and CSB along with their new plant in Bahrain and Astra Polymers’ plant in Saudi Arabia demonstrates both the companies’ commitment to this growing market.
Source: http://www.basf.com/