BASF says the Chongqing location will meet demand from growth in construction, appliances, transportation, and footwear in western China, an area with a population over 120 million. The PU System House, which will start its service by 2012, will be backward integrated into the MDI plant, according to Jacques Delmoitiez, president of BASF Polyurethanes, and will connect local customers to the experience of BASF's worldwide network of PU specialists.

BASF already has PU System House in Shanghai and Nansha, which respectively are on the central and southern east coast of China. BASF says it is the first global PU player to show a strong commitment to a region it describes as fast growing and important.

The new PU System House in Cartagena, Colombia, says BASF, is aimed at serving growing markets in Venezuela and Ecuador, in addition to Colombia. Anton Traunfellner, BASF's managing director for South America, said he expects the market for PU systems to grow by 6% in the Andean Region over the coming decade.

In Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador, BASF is looking for growth in market sectors such as appliances, transportation, construction and footwear. The Cartagena facility will go into full operation by the first quarter of 2011, offering local production, plus sales and development specialists.