BASF turns 150 in 2015. The company announced its anniversary program in an international press conference held in Ludwigshafen. In addition to celebrations and a historical retrospective, BASF has prepared a global co-creation program with partners on the topics of energy, food and urban living. As part of this program, called Creator SpaceTM, BASF is taking a new approach in accordance with its “We create chemistry” strategy."We want to initiate something new with our anniversary and try out new ways of working together over the next year – both within BASF and with people outside the company. We see the Creator Space program as a great opportunity to bring BASF closer to our target groups," said Dr. Kurt Bock, Chairman of BASF’s Board of Executive Directors.
BASF's official anniversary event with invited guests will take place on April 23, 2015, in Ludwigshafen. A special highlight will be the premiere of the anniversary musical composition, "Sounds for 150," for which employees worldwide recorded more than 1,200 typical BASF sounds. The composer is Michael Nyman.
BASF sites around the world are celebrating the 150th anniversary, each in a different way, according to their respective size and culture.
From Ludwigshafen into the world
BASF's history started in 1865 with dyes. Ammonia production followed a few years later in order to make fertilizer. Then, plastics came along. Since then the company’s portfolio has continuously developed and today it ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection to oil and gas. BASF supplies customers in nearly every industry with products and solutions and supports them with research and innovations. "Being successful for so many years speaks for the creativity and determination of BASF's employees – past and present," said Bock.BASF has operated internationally since its beginnings. Shortly after it was founded, BASF was selling its dyes worldwide. In 1885, BASF sent a manager to China with the aim of seeking opportunities for the company. "At the time, China was a new market on a largely unknown continent. There was real pioneer work to be done. Today, we are the largest foreign chemical investor in China," said Dr. Martin Brudermüller, Vice Chairman of BASF’s Board of Executive Directors.
BASF's history in China has been compiled for its anniversary in a book titled "Breaking New Ground." The book was written by Michael Grabicki, the longtime head of BASF's media relations team, and will be published in English, German and Chinese.
