BASF Shanghai Coatings Co., Ltd. opened its new automotive coatings plant at the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park in Shanghai, China.

The €50-million (US$67-million) expansion of its automotive coatings production capacity is equipped with advanced ventilation and off-gas treatment. In addition, it is specially designed to have a closed handling of ingredients.

The new automotive coatings plant is located adjacent to another new BASF resin and electrocoat plant which will start operation in the second half of 2015.

The close proximity of these two plants with access to facilities of BASF Caojing site and the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park will allow greater synergies and operational efficiency, BASF said.

BASF Shanghai Coatings Co., Ltd. is a joint venture between BASF Group and Shanghai Huayi Fine Chemical Co., Ltd., with more than 17 years of successful partnership.

BASF’s Coatings division develops, produces and markets automotive coatings, automotive refinishes and industrial coatings as well as decorative paints, with sites in Europe, North America and South America as well as Asia Pacific.