BASF’s Cellasto® to Open Second Shanghai Plant as EV Market Demand Surges

BASF’s Cellasto® to Open Second Shanghai Plant as EV Market Demand Surges

(IN BRIEF) Cellasto®, a global leader in NVH components and part of BASF, is investing around €60 million to build a second manufacturing plant in Shanghai, set to open in 2027. The facility will increase local production capacity by nearly 70%, supporting rising demand from China’s electric vehicle market. BASF leadership emphasized the company’s long-term investment in China, its commitment to innovation, and the strategic importance of the expansion for future growth. The new site will offer advanced molding capabilities, reflecting Cellasto®’s continued focus on high-quality solutions for the automotive industry.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUDWIGSHAFEN, 15-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — BASF’s Cellasto® brand, the global leader in Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) solutions, is significantly expanding its manufacturing footprint in China with the construction of a second production facility in Shanghai. The new plant, representing an investment of approximately €60 million, is slated to begin operations in 2027 and will boost local production capacity by nearly 70%.

This strategic expansion is designed to meet rising demand from China’s rapidly evolving electric vehicle sector, where NVH components play a critical role in driving performance and comfort. A groundbreaking ceremony took place on April 14th to mark the occasion.

Dr. Martin Jung, President of BASF’s Performance Materials Division, emphasized the brand’s ongoing commitment to excellence: “Cellasto® continues to deliver top-tier solutions for automotive manufacturers. Our dedication to quality and innovation positions us well for future success with customers in this crucial market.”

Highlighting BASF’s long-standing investment in the region, Dr. Jeffrey Lou, President and Chairman of BASF Greater China, stated: “BASF’s 140-year presence in China reflects our deep commitment to this market. With our extensive local production network, strong R&D, and in-depth understanding of the automotive industry, we’re accelerating our growth in China’s automotive sector.”

Bjoern Kophstahl, Vice President of Cellasto®, added: “We celebrated Cellasto®’s 60th anniversary and our first Shanghai plant’s 10th anniversary just a few years ago. Now, with this new facility, we’re ready to capture even greater opportunities in China’s dynamic mobility landscape through cutting-edge manufacturing.”

The new site will include advanced molding technology to ensure high-performance NVH components, aligning with the growing needs of China’s electric and hybrid vehicle production.

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.

About BASF’s Performance Materials division

BASF’s Performance Materials division leads the transformation of the plastics industry by merging sustainability with a competitive edge. Our broad material competencies and product portfolio, backed by deep industry understanding, make us the ideal one-stop-shop. With dedicated material-focused teams and strong R&D power, we deliver industry-leading technologies and expertise to our customers worldwide. Our global network ensures a competitive advantage through superior innovations, regional proximity, and tailor-made solutions that meet local market demands. We are committed to enhancing performance and efficiency across sectors such as automotive, consumer goods, industrial applications, and construction. With BASF, our partners embark on #OurPlasticsJourney towards a more circular and sustainable future. In 2024, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of €6.8 billion.

Join #OurPlasticsJourney on LinkedIn  https://on.basf.com/PM_LinkedIn and in our newsletter  https://on.basf.com/PM_Newsletter. Further information at https://www.performance-materials.basf.com.

Media Contact:

Amanda Wang
Communications – Global Business Management Cellasto (G-PM/A), Performance Materials
+86 21 20394519
amanda.wang@basf.com

SOURCE: BASF SE