BASF Pozzolith to improve operational efficiencies 

Tokyo, Japan - October 9, 2009 - BASF Pozzolith Ltd. plans to optimize its organizational setup to achieve further operational efficiencies, while maintaining a leading position in the Japanese construction chemical market. 
"Moving forward, we will continue to drive the concrete admixture market as the technology leader. Meanwhile, in the construction systems business, which is expected to grow, we will further develop innovative technologies to serve customers' needs. This will be achieved by making effective use of BASF's outstanding chemical expertise and management resources, thus increasing our market share and further pushing sustainable development," said Mark Volmer, President of BASF Pozzolith Ltd.

In order to stay efficient in a contracting construction market, BASF Pozzolith is reviewing its organizational setup and will reallocate its staff accordingly to optimize the management resources. The initiative is expected to affect 70 employees, who will be supported with comprehensive employee programs, such as transfers within the BASF Group in Japan, new placement support, and early retirement options.

"BASF Pozzolith plays a strategically important role in the BASF Group, especially with its outstanding research and development capabilities in concrete admixtures,"continued Volmer.

This organizational optimization is a second step in addressing the economic conditions and increased competition in the Japanese construction chemicals market. BASF Pozzolith has already taken various measures, including adjustments to the production setup, inventory reductions, and variable cost reductions.

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