FREEPORT, TX, June 19, 2008 – This year, BASF’s Freeport site is celebrating its 50th anniversary as one of company’s key manufacturing facilities in North America. The site started chemical production in 1958.

“Throughout the year, we are celebrating this important milestone and the role our employees and the Brazosport community have played in BASF’s success at this site over the years,” said Art Colwell, Vice President and General Manager of BASF’s Freeport site. “We remain a leader in chemical manufacturing because of the talent, dedication and team work of everyone here.”

In 1958, BASF began to build its manufacturing base in North America when the company established a joint venture with Dow Chemical in Freeport to produce basic chemicals and fiber precursors. BASF retained sole ownership of the site in 1978.

The growth and strategic significance of the Freeport site in North America is centered on BASF's Verbund concept or the integration of processes and materials across site operations.

Through Verbund, plants both use and provide materials simultaneously. The products, as well as the by-products from one plant, are processed further in other plants. This tight integration dramatically reduces waste and provides both economic and environmental benefits, consistent with the principles of sustainable development.

BASF is recognizing the milestone in various ways, including hosting employee celebrations and community activities. The site also held an employee contest to create a commemorative logo and slogan. Employee Bobbie Jo Stieg, Engineering Support Specialist, designed the logo, which combines historical logos and other elements. Accountant Mary Kay Null submitted the chosen slogan, “Building Our History - Improving Your Future.”

“We are constantly building our history through our day to day activities,” said Null. “At the same time we are building the future, not only for employees but for our customers and the Brazosport community.”

BASF maintains strong ties to the community through an active community relations program. BASF management and employees are involved in more than 50 ongoing community organizations and activities, including United Way, Walk for Habitat, Junior Achievement, the Brazoria County Fair, and youth and civic organizations.

BASF’s Freeport site employs 644 employees and 542 contractors. Chemicals produced at the site are used in a wide range of product applications, including adhesives, paints and coatings, superabsorbents, nylon and plastics.

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 Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 15,000 employees in North America, and had sales of approximately $16.4 billion in 2007. 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: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from oil and gas to chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals. As a reliable partner, BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges, such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF has more than 95,000 employees and posted sales of almost €58 billion in 2007. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.