The new Coatings Technology Center in Mangalore is part of BASF's existing automotive coatings research and development facilities. The Automotive Coatings Application Center covers an area of 400 square meters and is equipped with high-precision air-conditioned spray booths and electrostatic rotary bell atomizers as well as a modern rapid connection system for electrostatic painting. The situation in OEM paint stores can thus be simulated true to the original.
"This investment is a milestone in our efforts to expand our R&D activities in Asia Pacific and improve our customer proximity in one of the fastest growing regions for automotive coatings," said Patrick Zhao, senior vice president, BASF Coatings Solutions Asia Pacific. BASF also operates Automotive Coatings Application Centers in Shanghai, China; Totsuka, Japan; and Bangpoo, Thailand in Asia Pacific.