OREANDA-NEWS. BASF yesterday inaugurated its new production plant for concrete admixtures in Lagos, Nigeria. The production site is BASF's answer to the increasing demand for construction chemicals in western Africa.

BASF produces standard and custom-made performance concrete additives, so-called admixtures, from the company's comprehensive Master Builders(r) Solutions portfolio.

"We are now able to rapidly supply our customers with admixtures for all cement and aggregate types, whether their construction projects are located in the urban areas of western Africa or in more remote sites," said Nair Narayanan, Country Manager for BASF Construction Chemicals, West Africa.

"We as experts in construction chemistry are where our customers need us with the foremost aim to fulfil the many needs and requirements of the industry in Nigeria, and then to further expand the business to export to neighboring west African countries such as Ghana, Liberia, Benin, Togo, Burkina Faso and the Ivory Coast", added Mr. Narayanan.

BASF's admixtures enable the production of concrete that is stronger and more durable while also increasing its workability retention. This leads to faster setting and hardening and thus accelerating the construction progress. This helps to reduce the total costs of ownership. The new facility also allows for tailor-made products for local customers in order to meet their specific needs. "Fast and flexible solutions based on the daily and future needs of the construction industry in Western Africa are our contribution to the region's economic progress", said Christian Geierhaas, regional head of BASF's Construction Chemicals division.

"Our clear aim is to support the local industry by reducing imports, thereby minimizing the long lead times for supplies and other transport related issues, while supporting the economic growth of the region by creating employment opportunities", he said.