BASF donates $1,200 to Channahon School District 17
Grant to be used for purchase of new science textbooks

JOLIET, Ill., October 12, 2004 -- BASF recently presented Channahon School District 17 with a $1,200 “Helping Make Communities Better” grant that will used to purchase new science textbooks within the district.

“Channahon District 17 continues to appreciate the relationship it has with BASF,” said Lynn Krizic, Superintendent of Channahon School District 17. “We hope that as a result of BASF’s commitment to enhancing and nurturing the educational opportunities available to our students, that we are able to create a generation of students who will someday make a science-inspired contribution back to the community.”

“Science education is one of the key focal points of BASF's commitment to being a good neighbor in the communities in which we operate," said Gerry Sabo, Manager, Site Services at BASF's Joliet’s site. " We're very proud of our ongoing partnership with Channahon School District 17.”

Approximately 115 employees work at BASF's Joliet site, which makes polystyrene used in insulation and packaging materials, appliance parts, housewares, cosmetic containers and electronic equipment casings.

BASF - The Chemical Company. We don't make a lot of the products you buy. We make a lot of the products you buy better.®
BASF Corporation, headquartered in New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany. We employ about 11,000 people in North America and had sales of approximately $9 billion in 2003. For more information about BASF's North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.com/usa.

BASF is the world's leading chemical company. Our goal is to grow profitably and further increase the value of our company. We help our customers to be more successful through intelligent system solutions and high-quality products. BASF's portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. Through new technologies we can tap into additional market opportunities. We conduct our business in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. In 2003, BASF had sales of approximately $42 billion and over 87,000 employees worldwide. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

For more information, contact:
Gerry Sabo
BASF
Channahon, Ill.
Tel: (815) 423-1261
E-mail: sabog@basf-corp.com

Glenn Majeski
BASF
Florham Park, N.J.
Tel: (973) 245-6070
E-mail: majeskg@basf.com