BASF: MDI production capacity in Geismar nearly doubled following billion-dollar investment

The new MDI plant at BASF`s Verbund site in Geismar, Louisiana, represents the company`s largest standalone investment in the United States to date. The total investment amounts to approximately US$1 billion. Construction of the third and final expansion phase took approximately three years and ten months - (Photo: BASF).

BASF SE officially commissioned a new methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) production plant at its Verbund site in Geismar, Louisiana, on 11 November 2026. The investment of approximately US$1 billion increases the site's annual MDI production capacity to around 600,000 tonnes, nearly doubling its previous capacity. This is BASF's largest investment project in North America to date without a joint venture partner. According to the company, the expansion makes BASF the largest MDI producer in North America.

Expansion completed in three project phases
The expansion project, which began in 2018, was implemented in three phases. In 2020, BASF commissioned a new MDI synthesis unit, followed by the expansion of several upstream production facilities in 2021. The final phase included additional precursor production facilities and a separation unit (splitter). According to the company, digitalisation solutions were also integrated into the production facilities.

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Alongside the MDI expansion, BASF increased its aniline production capacity in Geismar. Aniline is a key precursor used in MDI production. The additional volumes are also available to North American customers in the crop protection, rubber, and dyes and pigments industries.

Significance for polyurethane supply
MDI is a key raw material used in the production of polyurethanes, which are used in applications such as insulation materials, cushioning and technical components. Major end-use sectors include construction, household appliances, transport, automotive manufacturing, footwear and furniture production. With the expansion, BASF is strengthening its regional production base for these applications.

Geismar is BASF's largest Verbund site in the United States. Its production facilities benefit from integrated infrastructure and raw material supplies. BASF operates at more than 150 locations across 40 US states. In 2025, the company generated sales of €13.1 billion in the United States, with approximately 90% attributable to products manufactured in the country.

More information: basf.com, basf.us/mdi3-geismar

BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany

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