OREANDA-NEWS. BASF's Construction Chemicals division started with the production of waterproofing solutions from the MasterSeal(r) solutions range at its plant located in Bolshoe Tolbino, Podolsk District. BASF thus extends its portfolio of Master Builders Solutions(r) in Russia and enhances the supply network for regional markets and customers.

"We recognize the need for quicker service and delivery of construction chemical solutions in world-class quality", said Ralf Spettmann, Head of BASF's Global Construction Chemicals division. "Our solutions and our experts are where our customers are. We progressively expand our production and distribution network in Russia and other markets with excellent growth rates and prognoses", Mr. Spettmann added.

At Podolsk, BASF is already producing a large range of concrete admixtures, flooring solutions, cementitious grouts and concrete repair mortars. The new production lines for MasterSeal 550 and 588 waterproofing solutions address special needs like tolerance to very harsh conditions (up to -50°C). They are for example used to protect potable water reservoirs.

Sergey Vetlov, Managing Director of BASF Construction Systems Russia and CIS, said: "Local production allows for more flexible pricing and delivery to local customers compared to importing products from production sites abroad."  Furthermore, BASF will offer shorter lead times as the plant is located in close proximity to end users.

Besides the Podolsk site, BASF is producing construction chemicals in Russia also in Kazan (Tatarstan) and is planning to construct a third plant in 2017.