BASF and Ford team up in new paint and body technology center
High-tech Ford facility will develop collision repair processes, products and equipment
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., April 24, 2003 -- BASF has teamed with Ford Motor Company as a sponsor and supplier to the
newly opened Ford Paint and Body Technology Center in Ypsilanti, Mich. The new facility provides Ford with a valuable
R&D capability and will help strengthen the links with Ford dealers and independent shops that make paint and body
repairs on Ford vehicles.
At the Ford Paint and Body Technology Center, paint and body technicians will help develop and evaluate collision repair
procedures, products and equipment. Working with the latest paint technologies and application processes is
an important part of the Center’s task. The Center is equipped with BASF’s Glasurit® 90 Line waterborne basecoat/
clearcoat system, the same system that is used as the original-equipment finish on many of the world’s top-of-the line
vehicles.
“The Paint and Body Technology Center will benefit Ford dealer body shops and independents by improving productivity
and the quality of repairs,” said Joe Skurka, Manager of Industry Relations, BASF Automotive Refinish. “We’ve worked
with Ford for many years in developing repair procedures, and this new facility will make the development process much
more efficient. The state-of-the-art Glasurit waterborne system provides the best possible color match, while meeting
strict emissions requirements.”
BASF is a major supplier of OEM coatings -- including waterborne systems -- to Ford assembly plants worldwide. This
means BASF has the expertise to develop refinish coatings that match the original factory finishes perfectly in color,
durability and final appearance. “Our status as an OEM supplier means our collision repair customers have access to the
latest automotive repair paint technologies and color information. The Glasurit 90 Line system used in Ford’s new facility
is a proven and highly efficient technology. That translates to enhanced shop productivity, excellent color matching and a
world-class finish that is indistinguishable from the car’s factory finish,” said Skurka.
BASF and other suppliers to the collision repair industry were eager to sponsor Ford’s new facility, according to Skurka,
because it offers an unprecedented opportunity to develop and test products, processes and equipment in close
collaboration with a major automotive manufacturer.
BASF: Helping Make Products Better™
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company, offering its customers a range of high-performance products, including
chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products, fine chemicals as well as crude oil and natural gas.
Its distinctive approach to integration, known in German as “Verbund,” is its strength. It enables BASF to achieve
cost leadership and gives the company a competitive advantage. BASF conducts its business in accordance with
the principles of sustainable development. In 2002, BASF had sales of $34 billion and more than 89,000 employees
worldwide. BASF Corporation is the North American affiliate of BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany. In North America,
2002 sales were approximately $8.2 billion and the company employs approximately 13,000 people. For more
information or to receive news releases by email, visit www.basf.com/usa.
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