WILMINGTON, NC, December 18, 2008 – BASF today announced that it will be closing its Wilmington, North Carolina, formulated vitamins manufacturing site by March 31, 2009. The facility, a part of BASF’s Care Chemicals Division, manufactures formulated vitamin C products for the dietary supplement industry.

Employees were notified that the approximately 33 positions at the site will be eliminated over the next three months.

“We wanted employees to be aware of this decision as soon it was made. We regret the impact this decision may have on these employees and their families, especially at this time of year,” said Simon Medley, Group Vice President of BASF’s Care Chemicals and Formulators Regional Business Unit. “The decision is in no way a reflection of the hard work, dedication and professionalism of the colleagues at this facility.”

This strategic business decision was made because it has become increasingly difficult to sustain profitable operations at the site due to high raw material costs.

In addition to producing vitamin C products, the site manufactures formulated B vitamin products and FreshSealâ polymer-based fruit and vegetable coatings. After the site closure, BASF will no longer produce formulated B vitamin products. Production of FreshSeal will be transferred to another location.

BASF will work with affected employees to help them locate other employment opportunities within the company, or will provide employees with the appropriate severance compensation and out-placement services.

The company started production at the site - located at 101 Vitamins Drive - in 1985.

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 Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 15,000 employees in North America, and had sales of approximately $16.4 billion in 2007. 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 oil and gas to chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals. As a reliable partner, BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges, such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF has more than 95,000 employees and posted sales of almost €58 billion in 2007. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.