BASF has a billion reasons to be proud of its Cellasto-brand polyurethane component business.
The German materials giant recently marked production of its one billionth Cellasto component at its plant in Wyandotte, Mich. BASF began making Cellasto parts in North America in 1986.
BASF also this year is celebrating its 60th year of worldwide Cellasto production. The components are made from microcellular and compact PU elastomers and are sold to the automotive industry and its suppliers. In a July 22 news release, BASF officials said that 85 percent of automakers use Cellasto components.
"Reaching the 1 billion-part mark in North America on our 60th anniversary speaks to the dedication of our employees and the quality of our production facilities," Cellasto global vice president Bjoern Kophstahl said in the release.
He added that BASF "will continue to work toward our next milestone using the latest technology to produce innovative, quality products tailored to meet the needs of our customers."
The first Cellasto components made by BASF in North America were microcellular PU jounce bumpers for automakers. Officials said the firm now makes a variety of finished parts that "contribute to the driving experience by improving durability and providing a smooth, quiet ride."
Cellasto components also are used for several other industrial and nonautomotive applications such as elevator bumpers, washing machine isolators and high speed printer applicators. BASF has Cellasto production sites in North and South America, Asia, and Europe.
BASF ranks as one of the world's largest producers of specialty plastics and chemicals. The firm employs 110,000 worldwide — including 17,000 in North America — and posted sales of 59 billion euros ($69.4 billion) in 2020.