BASF and Nissan announce streamlined processes
- BASF becomes main supplier of innovative technology in Smyrna, USA
- Close partnership in emerging markets: China and India
Münster. BASF has expanded its partnership with Nissan, now also supplying the automaker with coatings and paints for the Pathfinder and Infiniti models at its Smyrna plant in Tennesee, USA. BASF supplies Nissan with coating solutions from e-coat and basecoat to clearcoat. BASF is also working on more streamlined technologies with Nissan in emerging markets such as China.
“Nissan is a successful global company. They are a very important customer for us, with whom we have been working closely for a long time,” explains Laurent Vaucenat, Global Account Manager for Nissan at BASF’s Coatings Division. “Innovative solutions and services as well as our leading-edge technologies have convinced Nissan to extend their collaboration with us in Smyrna now, too.” Especially the 3 Wet waterborne coating technique, which is used in Smyrna, but also for example in Huadu (China) played a major part.
The most notable advantage of the 3 Wet waterborne system is the elimination of one drying phase. Previously, car bodies required two 30-minute rounds in the drying oven, after application of the primer, and the basecoat/clearcoat. In the new method these three layers are applied wet-on-wet, and then subsequently dried. This shortened process leads to shorter production time, less energy consumption, streamlined paint lines and – above all – lower emissions.
BASF is the unique supplier of "sprayables" (primer, basecoats and clearcoats) for Nissan European production sites; Sunderland (England), St Petersburg (Russia) and Barcelona (Spain). “We are where our customers are. This is why we are increasingly expanding our presence in growing markets like China,” says Vaucenat. There, BASF supplies Nissan's Huadu plant.
BASF also has long-standing supply relationships with Nissan in Japan and India. In 2012, the close partnership resulted in an award from Zhengzhou Nissan Auto Co., Ltd., honoring BASF with the “Excellent R&D Supplier Award” for the excellent quality in the supply of environmentally friendly car paint.
About BASF Coatings
BASF Coatings develops, produces and markets a high-quality range of innovative automotive OEM coatings, automotive refinishes and industrial coatings as well as decorative paints. BASF has significant market positions in the Coatings sector in Europe, North America, South America and the Asia Pacific region. In 2011 BASF Coatings achieved global sales of 2.8 billion Euros. The internet address of BASF Coatings is www.basf-coatings.com. You can download a copy of BASF customer magazine Coatings Partner from www.coatingspartner.com
About BASF
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success, social responsibility and environmental protection. Through science and innovation we enable our customers in almost all industries to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and system solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring healthy food and nutrition and helping to improve the quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF posted sales of about €73.5 billion in 2011 and had more than 111,000 employees as of the end of the year. 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.
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