SOUTHFIELD, MI, February 2, 2010 – BASF Automotive Refinish, the leader in aftermarket waterborne refinish systems, today announced that it has dramatically expanded its Lean educational program for customers.

Originally launched as part of BASF’s VisionPlus University (VPU) in 2008, BASF’s Lean program offered customers a half-day introduction to Lean, giving collision centers a high-level overview of Lean concepts. BASF’s Lean education component of VPU now includes three additional programs.

• Launching Lean (VPU-031) is a two-day workshop that demonstrates fundamental concepts and introduces the tools needed to successfully implement Lean in a collision repair center. This is the first step in implementing a continuous improvement business model.
• Lean Implementation (VPU-032) is a three-day workshop centered around a body shop simulation that guides customers in identifying non-value added activities, exploring methods for reducing waste and developing ways to measure success.
• Leading a Lean Culture (VPU-033) is a seminar that is a solid step forward for owners and managers considering a Lean business model. Customers will assess their individual businesses and establish a plan for Lean implementation.

BASF’s program was developed in-house by its team of Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belts and collision industry experts. The entire curriculum was designed with the intent to teach collision centers the concepts so that they can create their own Lean model.

“At BASF, Lean is part of the culture; it’s practiced here every day,” said Darlene Eilenberger, Marketing Director for BASF Coatings North America. “We are excited to be sharing our knowledge and expertise by taking this philosophy and practice to our customers.”

Typically, classes are taught at a BASF facility by a BASF instructor who has years of collision industry experience; and who has used Lean principles in their everyday work. Occasionally classes are taught at customer locations if both attendee and facility criteria are met.

For more information about LEAN programs offered by BASF Automotive Refinish, please go to www.basfrefinish.com.

BASF - The Chemical Company.

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 $17.5 billion in 2008. 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 and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals and oil and gas. 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 posted sales of more than €62 billion in 2008 and had approximately 97,000 employees at the end of that year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.