GEISMAR — BASF has officially opened its new methylene diphenyl diisocyanate facility at its Geismar Verbund site, completing an approximately $1 billion expansion that marks the chemical giant's largest wholly owned investment project to date in North America.

The project nearly doubles annual MDI production capacity at the Louisiana site to roughly 600,000 metric tons, positioning BASF as the largest MDI producer in North America.

MDI is a foundational component in polyurethanes, high-performance plastics used to enhance energy efficiency, insulation and durability. The new capacity will supply growing demand across multiple sectors, including automotive, construction, household appliances, furniture and footwear.

"The United States has long been a key market for BASF, and this $1 billion investment is a strong commitment to our customers and to our future here," said Dr. Markus Kamieth, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE. "With our new world-scale MDI facility in Geismar, we are strengthening our core businesses, driving innovation and bringing more production closer to our customers."

Launched in 2018, the expansion was executed in three phases:

- Phase 1 (2020): Commissioning of a new MDI synthesis unit.

- Phase 2 (2021): Capacity expansions across upstream processing units.

- Phase 3 (Final): Addition of new upstream units and an advanced splitter utilizing digitalization and enhanced safety controls.

Alongside MDI output, the project expanded Geismar's aniline manufacturing capabilities, reinforcing its integrated local value chain and boosting raw material supplies for North American agricultural chemicals, rubber, and dye industries.

The Geismar site is BASF’s largest Verbund facility in the U.S., where the company operates more than 150 locations across 40 states. In 2025, approximately 90% of BASF’s €13.1 billion in regional sales came from domestically manufactured products.