Construction World April 2015

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CREATING SOLUTIONS BASF is turning 150 in 2015. The company began in Germany in 1865 with the development and production of dyes.

endeavours involve many more disciplines. The construction of a wind power turbine, for example, requires a team of researchers, developers and market experts. It is not only about improving material properties, but ensuring they fit and work together in the best possible way. This means that a company like BASF needs to work across different divisions and combine the knowledge of many experts – solutions need to be considered with customers and scientists. “When we conduct research today, we keep one guiding principle in mind: sustainability. We treat resources with care and respect and strive to strike a balance between all three dimensions: economy, environment and society.” Joan-Maria Garcia-Girona, vice president, and head of BASF in South Africa and sub-Sa- hara explains: “We see our anniversary as an opportunity to open up in ways that go beyond these proven collaborations. The way innovations arise has changed consider- ably compared to the past. This is because of new methods of communication as well as a different self-awareness and changed expec- tations of people. They want to solve soci- etal problems and make their contribution. They discuss online, on blogs and social networks. We are convinced that when we add the expertise from chemistry and other industries to these ideas, we will be closer to finding answers for the challenges of today and tomorrow. We want to initiate some- thing new with our anniversary and try out new ways of working together over the next year – both within BASF and with people outside the company. We see the Creator Space™ programme as a great opportunity to bring BASF closer to our target groups.”

The production of ammonia in order to make fertiliser followed a few years later and then plastics came along. Since then, the company’s portfolio has continuously developed and evolved and today their product range covers a wide spectrum of industries from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection to oil and gas.

people’s quality of life. This, however, should not come at the expense of the next gener- ations. When we conduct research today, we keep one guiding principle in mind: sustainability. We treat resources with care and respect and strive to strike a balance between all three dimensions: economy, environment and society.” Addressing challenging issues Laurent Tainturier adds: “It is critical that a company such as BASF addresses the chal- lenges facing our planet, including those of energy and food resources, as well as urban living. In 2050, the world’s population will reach nine billion with 70% of the people will living in cities. Resources are already scarce and we have only reached almost seven billion people. Everyone needs a roof over their head, clean water, and electricity. This poses a tremendous challenge, especially in Africa and the megacities of the developing world. To feed nine billion people in 2050, we will need twice as much food as today. How can that be accomplished if we can’t double the amount of farmland? Collaboration to innovate From its early beginnings, BASF has always had innovative and collaborative culture. BASF continues to work closely with university researchers, scientists and chem- ists who have provided the cornerstones for its research. Compared with the past, today’s joint

BASF has operated internationally since it began. It supplies customers in nearly every industry with prod- ucts and solutions, and supports

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them with research and innovations.

It is an achievement for any company to remain successful for so many years. For BASF this number speaks to the crea- tivity and determination of its employees – in the past and the present. For 150 years, they have managed to find the right balance between risk-taking and responsibility. Since BASF is a science and research- based company, it strives to be more innovative and progressive in celebrating its global and local anniversary. A pre- requisite was that the anniversary concept had to be connected to the company strategy and corporate purpose: “We create chemistry for a sustainable future.” This statement expresses what has made, and continues to make, BASF successful. It encompasses three key concepts: It develops innovations; it does this together with others; the solutions it develops help make the future more sustainable. Over the years this winning recipe has not changed: BASF recognises soci- etal trends and the needs of people; with research and development it finds new and innovative solutions to meet these chal- lenges, again and again. Laurent Tainturier, senior vice president for EUE region, including CIS-Middle East-Af- rica explains: “Today’s requirements and the expectations of society are much more complex. But our focus is still on improving

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FROM LEFT: Petra Bezuidenhout, Joan Maria Garcia Girona, Mamokgheti Phakeng, Christo Marais, Laurent Tainturier, Hanli Prinsloo, and Horst Freitag.

CONSTRUCTION WORLD APRIL 2015