BASF Hannong Chemicals Solutions Ltd. (BHCS), the joint venture between BASF SE (Ludwigshafen, Germany) and Hannong Chemicals, announced the inauguration of its new non-ionic surfactant (NIS) site located in the Daesan Industrial Complex in Seosan, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea.
At the ceremony, key attendes included Tae-heum Kim, Governor of Chungcheongnam-do; Wan-seop Lee, Mayor of Seosan; Daniel Wussow, President of Care Chemicals, BASF (effective Apri 1, 2026); Woo Suk Lee, Managing Director of BASF Korea; Eung-sang Kim, CEO of Hannong Chemicals; and Sang-ho Kyung, President of Hannong Chemicals, along with other representatives from both companies.
Built on a site of approximately 12,234 m², the site is operated by BHCS, the joint venture established with a shareholding structure of 51% BASF and 49% Hannong Chemicals, and began trial operations in January 2026. With support from Chungcheongnam-do Province and the City of Seosan, a swing tank was installed to enhance production flexibility and supply reliability.
The site combines BASF’s strong technology and product innovation capabilities with Hannong Chemicals’ highly efficient production capabilities to reliably supply high-quality non-ionic surfactants to customers across Asia. In the future, production will be expanded to include specialty surfactants, further strengthening BASF’s global production network.
The non-ionic surfactants produced at the new facility are used in a wide range of industries, including the chemical industry, agriculture, cosmetics and personal care, as well as the polymer and polyurethane (PU) foam stabilizer industry.
“Through its collaboration with Hannong Chemicals, BASF will enhance its ability to serve customers locally in a fast growing region. This plant will strengthen BASF’s global production network for non-ionic surfactants and serve as a foundation for responding to customer demand across various industries,” said Daniel Wussow, President of Care Chemicals, BASF (effective April 1, 2026).
Kim Eung Sang, CEO of Hannong Chemicals, added: “It is very meaningful for us to complete this production base that combines world-class technology and manufacturing capabilities through our cooperation with BASF. With this new site, we will further strengthen our competitiveness in the non-ionic surfactants market and provide higher-quality products and solutions to customers.”