BASF unveils construction chemicals production facility in Nigeria

To further address the demand gap in construction chemicals industry in Nigeria and its neighbouring countries, BASF Construction Chemicals, West Africa, has inaugurated its new production plant for concrete admixtures in Lagos, Nigeria.

According to the firm, the new plant would aid the company’s supply activities to its customers with admixtures for all cement and aggregate types, irrespective of where their construction projects are located.

Country Manager for BASF Construction Chemicals, West Africa, Nair Narayanan while speaking at the inauguration of the plant said: “We as experts in construction chemistry are where our customers need us with the foremost aim to fulfil the many needs and requirements of the industry in Nigeria, and then to further expand the business to export to neighbouring west African countries such as Ghana, Liberia, Benin, Togo, Burkina Faso and the Ivory Coast”.

According to him, BASF’s admixtures enable the production of concrete that is stronger and more durable while also increasing its workability retention, therefore leading to faster setting and hardening and thus accelerating the construction progress.

He added that the admixtures further helps to reduce the total costs of ownership, while the new facility also allows for tailor-made products for local customers in order to meet their specific needs.

Regional head of BASF’s Construction Chemicals division, Christian Geierhaas, added saying: “Fast and flexible solutions based on the daily and future needs of the construction industry in Western Africa are our contribution to the region’s economic progress. Our clear aim is to support the local industry by reducing imports, thereby minimizing the long lead times for supplies and other transport related issues, while supporting the economic growth of the region by creating employment opportunities”.

On the selection of Nigeria for its market, BASF Senior Vice President Europe East, CIS, Middle East and Africa, Laurent Tainturier said: “Nigeria is a particularly dynamic growing market for construction chemicals in West Africa. Growth in emerging markets is an integral component of BASF. This new production facility will strengthen the product portfolio in the region, and, while meeting the demands for the broader construction industry, it will also introduce the company’s expertise in world leading technology into the region such as energy efficiency in construction techniques”.

He added that the new production site in Lagos is a further step to strengthen the global network of the Master Builders Solutions brand.