German chemicals major BASF is evaluating a new MDI production complex in Dahej, Gujarat, as it considers expanding its manufacturing footprint in India.
BASF said it is in the advanced stages of a feasibility study for the proposed Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI) complex and has secured an industrial land parcel in Dahej through its Indian subsidiary BASF India Polyurethanes Private Ltd.
MDI is a key raw material for polyurethane products used in building insulation, refrigeration, automotive components, furniture and consumer goods.
BASF said a potential investment would expand its manufacturing presence in India and support its local-for-local approach by enabling locally produced MDI to serve customers in India and neighbouring markets. A final investment decision will depend on the feasibility study and necessary approvals.
The project would add to BASF’s global MDI production network. The company currently operates MDI facilities in Geismar in the US, Antwerp in Belgium, Chongqing and Caojing in China, and Yeosu in South Korea.
BASF already has operations in Dahej, where BASF India Limited operates an MDI splitter and polyurethane production facilities at its integrated chemical complex.
The company said rising urbanisation, infrastructure development and manufacturing activity in India are expected to support demand for high-performance materials.
As of the end of 2025, BASF had 2,435 employees, eight production sites and more than 40 offices in India. It reported sales of about €2.3 billion to Indian customers in 2025.
