BASF opens $33M plant science R&D facility in North Carolina
by Canadian Manufacturing Daily Staff
80,000-sq. ft. expansion includes new office, laboratory and greenhouse space
LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany and DURHAM, N.C.—Chemicals giant BASF has cut the ribbon on a new research and development facility in North Carolina that will act as a hub for its plant science products.
According to the firm, it has officially inaugurated its new $33-million expansion in Research Triangle Park (RTP) in Durham, N.C.
The 80,000-sq. ft. expansion includes new office, laboratory and greenhouse space.
“This expansion demonstrates BASF’s strong commitment to (its) Agricultural Solutions and strengthens our research and development capabilities,” BASF Plant Science president Peter Eckes said in a release.
“This investment demonstrates our commitment to our employees, our neighbours and the state of North Carolina.”
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.
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 working out of North Carolina since 1986.
