BASF Commits €60M to Build Second Cellasto Plant in China to Meet EV Market Demand
- 21-Apr-2025 6:30 PM
- Journalist: Jai Sen
Cellasto, the global leader in Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) solutions, is making a major strategic move by investing approximately €60 million to build a second manufacturing plant in Shanghai, China. This expansion marks a significant step in the company’s effort to support the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) market in the region. With China being one of the largest and fastest-developing EV markets in the world, the new plant will enhance Cellasto®’s production capacity by nearly 70%. The facility will be outfitted with state-of-the-art molding lines and is expected to begin operations in 2027. To commemorate this important milestone, a groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 14th.
This new investment reflects Cellasto®’s long-term commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction in the automotive sector. Dr. Martin Jung, President of the Performance Materials Division at BASF, the parent company of Cellasto®, emphasized the company’s unwavering dedication to excellence. “Cellasto® has always delivered exceptional value to automotive manufacturers, backed by our passion for quality and efficiency. I am confident that this same level of commitment will continue to drive our success in China’s crucial and fast-evolving automotive market,” said Dr. Jung.
BASF has a deep-rooted history in China, having been active in the market for 140 years. Over the decades, the company has made significant investments to strengthen its presence and support local customers. Dr. Jeffrey Lou, President and Chairman of BASF Greater China, underlined the importance of this latest expansion. “This move is another strong testament to BASF’s commitment to being close to the local market and our customers. As the leading chemical supplier to the automotive industry, BASF aims to accelerate growth in China’s automotive sector by leveraging our strong local production network, powerful innovation capabilities, and in-depth market knowledge,” Dr. Lou stated.
Bjoern Kophstahl, Vice President of Cellasto®, also reflected on the company’s impressive journey and its continued evolution. “Four years ago, we celebrated Cellasto®'s 60th anniversary and the 10th anniversary of our first Shanghai plant. Today, with the announcement of our second facility, we are achieving yet another key milestone. Our advanced facilities, coupled with our deep market insights and technical expertise, put us in an excellent position to capitalize on the exciting opportunities presented by China’s dynamic EV market,” he shared.
This expansion not only strengthens Cellasto®’s footprint in Asia but also reinforces its vision of delivering top-tier NVH solutions to automotive manufacturers worldwide. It signals a clear focus on innovation, sustainability, and proximity to customers—crucial elements for thriving in the next era of mobility.