In 1913, BASF opened the world’s first synthetic ammonia plant at a new works near Oppau, close to Ludwigshafen.
With the development of indigo dye and Haber process that enable BASF to synthesis ammonia and the addition with fertilizers to its product range in 1931, the company soon had built up a monopoly in the chemical sector.
With its potent products, the company created explosives for use in World War 1.
Innovation continued, adding coatings, fuel and rubber to the roster and the company presented the first tape recorder – the magnetophone – to the world at the 1935 Radio Expo.
BASF early focused on a long term strategy. They strived to expand aggressively as they avoided becoming dependent on banks and therefore invested their profit into expansion efforts and research and development.
They expanded in the 1960s, building faculties in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, France, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain , UK and the United States.
Early history of BASF
