BASF (Ludwigshafen, Germany) is reviewing the viability of 23 of the 55 former Ciba production sites it inherited through the takeover of plastic additives manufacturer Ciba Holding AG (Basel, Switzerland) in April this year. This may involve restructuring, sale, or closure of sites. The remaining production sites are to be optimized as part of BASF’s global production network or restructured.

BASF says that the integration of Ciba will involve extensive restructuring, but generate synergies of at least €400 million per year from 2012 onward. By the end of 2010, savings of approximately €300 million are to be achieved. The restructuring plans include a reduction of approximately 3700 positions by 2013, the majority of which will be eliminated by the end of 2010.

Meanwhile, BASF’s European business unit for plastic additives has been relocated to the former headquarters of Ciba in Basel. Ciba’s plastic additives business will be integrated into the Performance Chemicals division. This will extend BASF’s portfolio to cover important product segments such as UV stabilizers and antioxidants, making BASF the world leader in plastic additives. —[email protected]