BASF, Astra to make additive blends in Saudi

Dubai, August 7, 2012

BASF Plastic Additives Middle East and Astra Polymers have signed a new contract that will see the two companies continue to work together to produce additive blends in Saudi Arabia.

This cooperative agreement combines the expertise of the two companies, bringing two complementary form-giving technologies for Customer Specific Blends (CSB).

Astra Polymers has for several years operated BASF-owned production lines at its Dammam premises, producing CSB. Astra Polymers' breadth of experience in the field of Masterbatch and Compounding add considerable value, enhancing BASF's production capacities in the Middle East. BASF Plastic Additives Middle East markets and sells the CSB.

Frank Fasdernes, director Business Management Plastic Additives for Africa, Eastern Europe, Western Asia, said: "Astra Polymers has proven its capabilities as a partner to BASF in the production of CSB. Its strong commitment to quality and growth supports the positioning of BASF as a market leader for CSB in the Middle East.”

“With the launch of our production facility in Bahrain in quarter 4 of 2012, we will continue to cooperate with Astra Polymers as our partner in KSA to produce CSB."

Bandar N Al-Saqer, CEO Astra Polymers, added: "The success of both companies in the growing plastics industry in the Middle East is proof that our cooperative agreement is well founded, adding value to both our companies and the industry. Astra Polymers is highly committed to the development of the downstream market.

“As market leaders, our combined efforts make the promise of flexibility, quality and innovation tangible to our customers."

At a recent ceremony in Dammam, Astra Polymers, BASF Plastic Additives Middle East and BASF Switzerland signed a long term contract to extend their existing production cooperation agreement in the field of plastic additives.

"We are extremely happy to continue CSB production in Saudi Arabia with a strong partner like Astra Polymers," said John Frijns, senior vice president, Plastic Additives Europe/EAWA.

"BASF's combined global production capacity for antioxidants and CSB, paired with Astra Polymers plant in KSA, and our new facility in Bahrain, shows our on-going commitment to this growing market.” – TradeArabia News Service

Tags: Saudi Arabia | BASF | Astra Polymers |