Cellasto® From BASF: A Material That Adds to the Comfort and Safety of Cars

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today's drivers have come to expect their vehicles to run athletically, safely and smoothly on the road. The automotive industry and its customers owe this to products like Cellasto®, a spring aid created in 1961 by engineers of Elastogran GmbH in Lemforde – today part of BASF's Polyurethanes Division.

For 50 years, under the Cellasto brand name, BASF has been manufacturing and selling polyurethane finished parts and springs of all kinds that are employed in areas where other materials, such as rubber and steel, reach their limits. Today, nine out of 10 automakers rely on this unique product.

Take chassis and suspension technology: spring and damping components made of Cellasto are volume-compressible, durable, environmentally compatible and absorb harshness, vibrations and noise – giving the driver a pleasantly smooth ride on the road.

From the beginning of Cellasto series production in 1964, demand for this flexible product increased steadily due to the growth of the automotive industry. In the 1970s, production was truly automated for the first time, while the 1980s for Cellasto were marked by the development of new fields of application and markets, and the expansion of exports. This was followed by numerous innovations and further customer-oriented development into a partner to the automotive industry.

To do justice to the different makes, models and requirements, BASF engineers work closely from the outset with experts from the various vehicle manufacturers in the development phase of new models. Six production locations worldwide in North and South America, Asia and Europe are an assurance of reliable supplies to customers. The most recent location in Shanghai started production this summer.

"For our long-term success, it is of decisive importance that we produce locally and supply our customers in their regions quickly and reliably," said Wayne T. Smith, President, BASF Polyurethanes. "The successful expansion of Cellasto business depends, above all, on our global key account management. Thus BASF can offer its customers solutions worldwide, an unbeatable advantage, because they not only reduce their development outlay but also have just a single, reliable global supplier."

 BASF is proud of a product that unites tradition and innovation.

"It's no accident that we're the industry's technology and market leader in this segment," Smith said. "The quality of Cellasto spring components has already been confirmed by numerous commendations such as the Q1 Award from Ford Motor Co."

About BASF Polyurethanes

BASF is the leading supplier of Polyurethane Solutions for systems, specialties and PU basic products. With its global network of 38 polyurethane system houses and its comprehensive product and service portfolio, BASF is the preferred partner of its customers in many industries.

The BASF brand "Cellasto – the NVH Solution" represents the 50 years of experience of the market and technology leader with Polyurethane specialty elastomers.

In the extremely service-oriented business of polyurethane systems and specialties, reliable PU experience and competence are crucial. Through its system house network, BASF provides fast local support, from technical service and sales to production and marketing during the development of customized solutions. With its world-scale plants, BASF secures its leading market position in the production of polyurethane basic products in all regions of the world.

Polyurethanes make life more comfortable, safer and more pleasant, while helping to save energy sustainably. They contribute to the improved insulation of buildings and the more attractive, lightweight design of cars. Producers of shoe soles, mattresses and household goods as well as sports equipment use the unique advantages of polyurethanes together with the knowledge and expertise of the polyurethane experts of BASF worldwide.

About BASF

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and agricultural products to oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF creates chemistry to help its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of about euro 63 billion in 2010 and had approximately 109,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com

SOURCE BASF