The investment nearly doubles annual MDI capacity at the Louisiana site to around 600,000 tonnes, making BASF the largest MDI producer in North America, according to the company.
BASF inaugurated its new methylene diphenyl diisocyanate plant at its Geismar Verbund site in Louisiana (USA) on 11 November 2026. The opening marked the on-schedule completion of BASF’s largest investment project undertaken without a joint venture partner in North-America.
MDI is a key raw material for polyurethanes, including formulations for coatings, adhesives and sealants. BASF expects the additional capacity to support customers in industries including construction, appliances, transport, automotive, footwear and furniture. Ramkumar Dhruva, President of BASF’s Monomers division, said the investment reflects the company’s expectations for continued growth in the polyurethane market and gives North American customers access to a locally integrated supply source.
BASF began the expansion in 2018 and carried it out in three phases. A new MDI synthesis unit came on stream in 2020, followed by expansions to several upstream units in 2021. The final phase added upstream units and a splitter, increasing production flexibility at the site.
The project also increased aniline production capacity at Geismar, BASF’s largest Verbund site in the United States. The additional capacity will help supply North American customers in the agricultural chemicals, rubber, dyes and pigments industries.