BASF opens its $33 million facility expansion in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA

Ludwigshafen, Germany and Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA – September 4, 2013 – BASF today inaugurated its new research facilities in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina at a grand opening ceremony. This $33 million expansion includes 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. "This investment demonstrates our commitment to our employees, our neighbors and the state of North Carolina."

North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory, Commissioner Steve Troxler, U.S. Representative David Price, Mayor of Durham William Bell and other guests from government, business and academia were invited to join BASF employees at the event.

The facilities include a climate-controlled greenhouse and laboratories for plant biotechnology research and 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 sq. ft. 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 groundbreaking 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. Today, about 840 employees are helping farmers meet the growing demand for improved agricultural productivity and healthier nutrition. BASF Plant Science is where Innovation Yields Results and has developed an unparalleled gene discovery platform focusing on yield and quality traits in crops such as corn, soybean and rice. Jointly with leading partners in the seed industry BASF Plant Science is commercializing its products. Current projects include higher yielding row crops and higher content of specific omega-3's (EPA/DHA) in oil crops for preventing cardiovascular diseases.  Further information on BASF Plant Science is available on the Internet at www.basf.com/plantscience.

With sales of around €4.7 billion in 2012, 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's Crop Protection division is a leading innovator that supports growers to optimize agricultural production, improve their business efficiency and enhance the quality of life for a growing world population. Further information can be found on the web at www.agro.basf.com or follow us on our social media channels.

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of €72.1 billion in 2012 and more than 110,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.