BASF sites recognized for environmental, safety and security programs
Evans City, Pa., and Whitestone, S.C., sites receive SOCMA Achievement Awards

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., December 15, 2005 -- BASF’s facilities in Evans City, Pa., and Whitestone, S.C., have been recognized by the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association (SOCMA) for the sites’ achievements in implementing and maintaining strong environmental, health, safety and security (EHS&S) programs. BASF site personnel were presented with the Achievement Awards during SOCMA’s 84th Annual Dinner in New York City.

The EHS&S Awards, which have been presented to SOCMA members annually for the past five years, are presented in two categories – the Excellence Award and the Achievement Award. As recipients of the Achievement Award, BASF’s Evans City and Whitestone sites demonstrated continuous improvement in core areas including Community Awareness and Emergency Response, Pollution Prevention, Process Safety, Employee Health and Safety, Product Stewardship, Distribution and Security.

“We’re very pleased to be recognized for our work to improve our EHS&S practices,” said Dr. Uwe Liebelt, Regional Business Unit Director and Site Manager for BASF’s Evans City site. “This recognizes the combined efforts of all employees who have remained vigilant in our commitment to EHS&S.”

“At BASF, we view our responsibility for environmental protection and the safety and security of our employees and the communities where we operate as our highest priority,” said Clarence Batts, Site Manager for BASF’s Whitestone, S.C. site. “At Whitestone, this award represents a dedicated day-to-day focus by all employees.”

SOCMA is the leading trade association serving the specialty batch and custom chemical industry since 1921. SOCMA’s 300 members employ more than 100,000 workers across the country and produce 50,000 products valued at $60 billion annually.

BASF’s Evans City site employs approximately 120 people. Products from the site are used mainly in the pharmaceutical industry, and are also used in applications like agrochemicals, surfactants, adhesives, polymers, electronics, flavors, fragrances and automobiles.

About 70 people are employed at BASF’s Whitestone site, which manufactures surfactants used in laundry detergents, cleaning products, energy chemicals and agricultural products.

BASF - The Chemical Company. We don't make a lot of the products you buy. We make a lot of the products you buy better.®
BASF Corporation, headquartered in New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany. Rated in FORTUNE magazine as America’s Most Admired Chemical Company, we employ about 10,000 people in North America and had sales of approximately $11 billion in 2004. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.com/usa.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF’s intelligent solutions and high-value products help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. In 2004, BASF had approximately 82,000 employees and posted sales of more than $50 billion. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF), and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

For more information, contact:
Maureen Paukert
BASF
Tel: (973) 245-6077
E-mail: paukerm@basf.com