BASF launches new automotive OEM coatings plant in Münster

BASF Coatings has commissioned a “state-of-the-art” production plant for automotive OEM coatings at its Münster site in Germany. The new facility is designed to produce high-runner products, namely colors that currently represent the majority of market demand, and ensure consistent product quality and enhanced production efficiency.

The investment marks a strategic milestone for BASF Coatings, reinforcing its long-term competitiveness in the high-volume coatings segment. The facility’s advanced automation enables more sustainable operations, while enhancing process stability and reliability.

The new plant is one of the largest investments of BASF Coatings in the past five years. From the initial conceptual studies in 2019, through two and a half years of construction, to the start of regular production today, this project has been shaped by the deep expertise of BASF Coatings teams.

“Our innovative strength and continuous drive for improvement make us a successful industry player – and more importantly, a valued partner to our customers,” said Uta Holzenkamp, president of BASF Coatings. “This project is an outstanding team achievement, coordinated and executed by a global network of experts across multiple BASF locations.”

"We have invested in a more advanced process with the new facility, which ensures high and consistent product quality and stability. In this way, our customers benefit from our expertise, knowledge, and experience,” said Nils Lessmann, senior vice president, Global Operations Paint & Resin. "As the next step, our teams in Asia Pacific and North America will adopt these best practices and strengthen our global manufacturing network."

The new plant is designed to optimize energy consumption, thereby reducing CO₂ emissions, marking another important step in BASF Coatings’ sustainability journey. Since 2022, the Münster site has been powered entirely by renewable wind energy, saving approximately 4,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually. Münster joins other BASF Coatings sites across Europe, Asia Pacific, and North America that operate on 100% renewable electricity.

Photo: A symbolic key was handed over to mark the inauguration of the new production plant for automotive OEM coatings. 
Back from left to right: Patrick Zhao, Stefan Kiffer, Angela Stähler, Dr. Thomas Krüger, Dr. Uta Holzenkamp, Anne-Caroline Bruns, Dr. Nils Lessmann, Jue Luo 
Front from left to right: Silke Hellwig, Frank Joege, Oliver Niehaus, Claudia Zeichner de Pinho, Lena Michels  [BASF Coatings]

BASF