BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, has officially re-opened its Swinton site after a multi-million pound investment in new facilities to transform the production plant
The newly redeveloped facility houses a new state-of-the-art liquids production unit and an upgraded modern powder plant. The liquid plant produces technologically advanced admixture systems for use in ready mixed concrete, pre-cast concrete, underground construction and manufactured concrete products. The powder plant manufactures a range of high specification repair mortars, construction grouts, waterproofing systems, wall renders and PCI tiling and underlayment systems.
The site boasts environmentally friendly, energy-efficient buildings and a new research and development laboratory. Zero loss facilities eliminate effluent from the site and an improved rainwater drainage system has prevented the risk of flooding. Reduced noise pollution is another feature of the site development.
Other improvements to the ISO 14001-accredited site include better bulk storage and waste control. A strict planning process now reduces the number of deliveries and the quantity of packaging to minimise the environmental impact of transportation.
As part of the planning process, BASF’s UK Construction Chemicals division sought the opinions of the local community on aspects of the proposal, including the replacement and upgrading of the old buildings on Swinton Hall Road and new planting and landscaping.
Chris Fletcher, BASF’s head of Construction Chemicals in the UK, said: “The redevelopment shows our long-term commitment to our customers within the construction industry in the UK as well as the Salford area. This facility contributes to the development and production of new construction products for sustainable building.”
The site has been a hub of industrial activity since the Industrial Revolution, in the 1800s. The manufacture of construction chemicals on the Swinton Hall Road site began in the early 1970s. It became part of the BASF group in 2006.