Following the announcement that Kurt Bock has been named its next chief executive (effective May 2011), succeeding the retiring Juergen Hambrecht, BASF (Ludwigshafen, Germany) has announced the construction of a new L-menthol plant in Ludwigshafen. The site will open in 2012.
Of the news, care chemicals head Gabriel Tanbourgi said, "As the world's top-selling aroma chemical in tons, L-menthol is an ideal addition to our product range in a strong growth market. The move consolidates our position as a leading aroma chemicals supplier. BASF developed and patented the L-menthol production method itself. It enables us to supply an extremely pure product of superior quality."