BASF Builds Next-Generation Chemical Plant in Germany to Support Europe’s Growing Chip Manufacturing Industry

BASF Ludwigshafen Verbund site
Photo: BASF

(IN BRIEF) BASF will build a new Electronic Grade Ammonium Hydroxide (NH₄OH EG) facility in Ludwigshafen, Germany, to supply ultra-pure chemicals essential for semiconductor production. Set to begin operations in 2027, the plant will strengthen Europe’s local supply chain for chip manufacturing and support the growth of industries such as automotive and AI. The investment aligns with BASF’s strategic partnerships with leading chipmakers and its mission to enhance supply chain resilience, innovation, and sustainability in the region. Executives Jens Liebermann and Gops Pillay emphasized that the project reinforces BASF’s role as a key contributor to Europe’s semiconductor competitiveness and technological leadership.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUDWIGSHAFEN, 30-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — BASF, one of the world’s largest chemical companies and a recognized leader in sustainable product innovation, has announced plans to build a state-of-the-art Electronic Grade Ammonium Hydroxide (NH₄OH EG) production facility at its Ludwigshafen site in Germany, marking a significant step toward strengthening Europe’s semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. The new facility will supply ultra-pure ammonium hydroxide—a key chemical used in wafer cleaning, etching, and precision semiconductor processing—to support the growing number of chipmakers expanding operations across Europe.

The investment underscores BASF’s commitment to enhancing supply chain resilience and ensuring a stable, local supply of critical materials for Europe’s advanced technology industries. With operations scheduled to begin in 2027, the plant will directly serve the rising demand for semiconductor-grade chemicals, driven by the ongoing construction and expansion of chip fabrication facilities across the continent.

BASF Electronic Materials’ lab drives forward innovation and advances sustainability for the semiconductor industry.
Photo: BASF

The project is closely tied to BASF’s collaboration with a strategic partner currently building a new semiconductor production plant in Europe. Together, these initiatives reflect the shared goal of establishing a robust European semiconductor value chain, reducing dependence on non-European sources, and securing the continent’s leadership in next-generation chip technologies.

The new NH₄OH EG plant will play a crucial role in enabling advanced node chip production, providing materials vital for cutting-edge sectors such as automotive, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing. By offering locally produced, ultra-pure chemicals, BASF aims to support customers in meeting stringent quality standards while promoting sustainable and efficient manufacturing practices.

“We are deeply grateful for our customers’ confidence in BASF as their long-term strategic partner,” said Jens Liebermann, Senior Vice President, Electronic Materials at BASF. “This investment reflects our shared commitment to developing Europe’s semiconductor industry and ensuring its technological competitiveness.”

New electronic grade ammonium hydroxide plant in Ludwigshafen in support of wafer cleaning, etching and other precision processes in semiconductor manufacturing.
Photo: BASF

Gops Pillay, President of BASF’s Global Operating Division, added:
“This new facility strengthens BASF’s role as a trusted supplier to the semiconductor market. Beyond expanding our capabilities, it reinforces our ongoing commitment to Europe’s innovation landscape and sustainable growth.”

As a global leader in high-purity chemicals for semiconductor production, BASF provides an extensive portfolio of materials essential for processes such as photoresist development, metal deposition, etching, cleaning, and chemical mechanical planarization (CMP). The new plant will further enhance these capabilities while supporting Europe’s ambition to achieve greater autonomy in advanced chip manufacturing.

BASF’s Dispersions & Resins division

The Dispersions & Resins division of BASF develops, produces and markets a range of high-quality polymer dispersions, resins, additives and electronic materials worldwide. These raw materials are used in formulations for several industries, including coatings, construction, adhesives, printing and packaging, electronics and paper. With its comprehensive product portfolio and extensive knowledge of the industry, the Dispersions & Resins division offers its customers innovative and sustainable solutions and helps them advance their formulations. For further information about the Dispersions & Resins division, please visit www.dispersions-resins.basf.com.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

Media contact:

Vivian Zee
+852 2731 4542
vivian.zee@basf.com

SOURCE: BASF SE