BASF FINA Petrochemicals donates $1,000 to center for handicapped adults
Center has provided care for residents of Jefferson County for more than 30 years

PORT ARTHUR, Texas, September 23, 2003 -- The Estelle and Allen Fetters Center is getting help with providing day care and activities for area handicapped adults in the form of a donation of $1,000 from BASF FINA Petrochemicals.

Since the center's only means of funding stems from charitable donations and fundraisers, the donation from BASF FINA Petrochemicals helps provide day care, outings and entertainment for the physically and mentally challenged adults who regularly visit the center. All the services are provided to the participants at no cost to them or their families, which are tailored to match the participants' abilities and activity levels.

"We appreciate BASF FINA Petrochemicals' support of the Estelle and Allen Fetters Center," said Jeff Jackson, president of The Association for the Retarded. "Their donation will help us give these adults the type of life they deserve."

Mark Viator, manager of human resources and community affairs for BASF FINA Petrochemicals in Port Arthur, said the company is proud to support organizations that help to improve the quality of life for all members of the community.

"The Center has enriched the lives of many families in the community through its caring and compassionate work," said Viator. "This donation is in keeping with our mission to support organizations that help make our community better."

BASF FINA Petrochemicals LP is a joint venture of BASF Corporation and ATOFINA Petrochemicals, Inc. The Port Arthur facility operates the world's largest naphtha steam cracker, turning naphtha and light hydrocarbons into ethylene, propylene, and other chemical raw materials. The cracker's products are ultimately used in the manufacture of hundreds of consumer products. The $1 billion facility began operations in 2001. More than 200 workers are employed at the site.

BASF: Helping Make Products Better™
BASF is the world's leading chemical company, offering its customers a range of high-performance products, including chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products, fine chemicals as well as crude oil and natural gas. Its distinctive approach to integration, known in German as "Verbund," is its strength. It enables BASF to achieve cost leadership and gives the company a competitive advantage. BASF conducts its business in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. In 2002, BASF had sales of $34 billion and more than 89,000 employees worldwide. BASF Corporation is the North American affiliate of BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany. In North America, 2002 sales were approximately $8.2 billion and the company employs approximately 12,000 people. For more information or to receive news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.com/usa.

For more information, contact:
Mark Viator
BASF FINA Petrochemicals LP
Tel: (409) 960-5201
E-mail: viatorm@basf.com