June 16, 2025 15:42
Announced three years ago, BASF’s new hexamethylenediamine (HMD) plant in Chalampé, France, has now officially started production.
HMD is a key intermediate in the synthesis of polyamide 66. This initiative complements the ongoing expansion of PA66 capacities at the Freiburg facility, which is nearing completion.
With this new plant coming online, BASF’s annual production capacity for HMD has risen to 260,000 tons. In addition to manufacturing units, the French site hosts an R&D center equipped specifically for research on PA66.
“This investment underlines BASF’s strong commitment to chemical production in Europe and our determination to support regional growth,” said Stephan Kothrade, a member of the executive board of the German chemical group. “It is yet another example of how we put our ‘Winning Ways’ strategy into action to create long-term value for our company and secure our future competitiveness in a volatile economic environment.”
HMD is a precursor used in the production of PA66 polymers and coating raw materials. Among other applications, these products are used in the automotive industry as well as in the production of high-quality fibers.
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