Today, it takes more than 100 cars with catalytic converters to produce the same emissions from just one pre-1974 vehicle. The catalyst is doing its job and keeping the air we breathe cleaner by reducing harmful emission levels.
However, there is more to be done especially with impending regulations on the horizon – this is where innovators in the space come in. BASF, the leading mobile emission catalyst supplier, is continuing to expand both its innovation and production capabilities.
Last week, BASF inaugurated its largest European production plant for mobile emissions catalysts. The plant is located in Sroda Slaska, a Special Economic Zone near Wroclaw, Poland. The total investment of €150 million will double the regional manufacturing capacity and create 400 jobs in the coming years.
“The launch of this new production plant provides a vital addition to our global manufacturing network for innovative automotive emissions control technologies,” said Kenneth Lane, President of BASF’s Catalyst division. “Tightening emissions regulations will be a key growth driver for our business. Our investment in Sroda Slaska will provide the capacity we need to meet increased customer demand in the most efficient way possible.”
Construction on the new 40,000 square meter manufacturing facility began in late 2012. Production trials started in April 2014, and last month two emissions catalysts manufacturing lines were operationalized. There are 10 planned light duty and heavy duty catalyst production lines, which are expected to operate at full capacity by 2016.
Among the advanced technologies that will be produced at the facility are Selective Reduction (SCR) systems, cutting-edge SCR on Filter (SCRoF) solutions as well as PremAir®-branded ozone destruction catalysts for automotive applications.
“This new facility strengthens our position as a supplier of innovative solutions to the markets of Central Europe,” said Dr. Joachim Meyer, head of BASF Business Center Europe Central.
