The zinc oxide industry in Canada is the midst of a significant expansion of capacity. Producers are investing in new capacity as a result of restructuring of the industry in North America and to reinforce their supply in a highly competitive landscape. More details will be forthcoming.
Monthly Archives: March 2014
BASF Canada launches new, innovative website
BASF Canada recently completed a comprehensive re-design of its website, www.basf.ca.
Created with user-experience firmly in mind, the new website offers improved navigation and includes links to interactive videos, podcasts and photos. It also features a searchable product finder which allows visitors to quickly and easily find information on BASF’s portfolio.
Visitors to the site can also learn how BASF is creating chemistry for a sustainable future, stay informed of the latest company news, and explore solutions for a wide range of industries.
“BASF Canada’s online presence is an important part of our customer service and community engagement strategies,” said Carles Navarro, president of BASF Canada. “As our company continues to innovate and evolve, it’s important that our website reflect this growth. By improving user-experience, we also aim to enhance our open dialogue and connection with our Canadian stakeholders.”
Visitors also have the option to share content that interests them through their social media accounts and connect with the company on Twitter @BASFCanada. For BASF Canada’s new online experience, visit www.basf.ca .
Gary Kubera steps down as president of Canexus
Canexus announced that Gary Kubera has stepped down from his position as President and Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Corporation, effective immediately.
“We would like to thank Mr. Kubera for his many contributions to Canexus in his role as President and CEO since the company’s initial public offering in 2005,” said Canexus Board Chairman Hugh Fergusson.
The Board of Directors has commenced an international search for a new president and chief executive officer. Until such time as a new president and CEO is appointed, at the request of the Board, Mr. Richard Ott, a current director, has agreed to assume the function of President and Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis. Mr. Ott is a seasoned executive who has served in a variety of senior executive positions largely in manufacturing and human resources in the United States and internationally.
“I look forward to working closely with our management team and employees on the execution of our strategic business plans to drive growth for the Corporation and create shareholder value,” said Mr. Ott.
During the transition period Mr. Ott will remain a director of the company, but will temporarily step down from Board Committees.
BASF’s 2013 income in North America increased 49%
BASF’s sales in North America increased 1% for 2013 to €14,573 million, compared to 2012. Sales grew considerably in the agricultural solutions segment, thanks to the first all-year inclusion of the Becker Underwood businesses as well as to strong business with herbicides and fungicides. The company posted a decline in sales in the performance products segment and in Other. In local-currency terms, sales in the region grew by 4%. Income from operations before special items increased by 49% to €1,539 million compared with the previous year. This was mainly the result of the significantly higher contribution from the chemicals segment due to improved plant availability and higher margins in the petrochemicals division. The functional materials & solutions and agricultural solutions segments were also able to considerably improve their earnings. BASF said it made progress in implementing their regional strategy for North America. An even stronger customer and market orientation plays a key role here. It continues to focus on innovation, attractive market segments and cross-business initia-tives in order to ensure profitable growth. At the same time, they are increasing operational excellence through ongoing improvements. BASF is boosting investments in the region and will start up several new plants in 2014, such as production facilities for formic acid and dispersions. The company is also exploring a joint investment in a world-scale ammonia production plant with Yara on the U.S. Gulf Coast.