BASF high-performance flooring system provides solid platform for new Hawker De Havilland plant 

Bankstown, Sydney, Australia - April 2, 2008 - When it comes to manufacturing aircraft components there is understandably no margin for error.  Utilising state-of-the-art robotic manufacturing equipment and the latest in high-tech materials technology, the manufacture of aerospace and aircraft components involves precision engineering within minute tolerances.

The buildings that house these precision manufacturing facilities must meet an array of strict design and construction requirements - particularly in level flooring.  When it cam to selecting an appropriate flooring solution for the new Hawker de Havilland aircraft wing assembly manufacturing plant in Sydney, engineers specified Mastertop 1230®, an epoxy-based, coloured, seamless, self-smoothing architectural flooring system from BASF Construction Chemicals.

"We are comitted to offering intelligent and reliable solutions that can address customer's needs exactly", said Dr Boris Gorella, Group Vice President and Head of BASF Construction Chemicals Business Unit, Asia Pacific.

The new wing assembly manufacturing plant has been established in several existing buildings at Hawker de Havilland's Bankstown facility in the western suburbs of Sydney.  Understandably, installing state-of-the-art robotic manufacturing equipment into existing buildings that are several decades old, presented significant design and construction challenges.

Richard Egan, Firmstone Flooring Specialists epoxy flooring projects manager, stressed that when a precision engineering and manufacturing facility was being created, the selection of an appropriate flooring solution was of paramound importance.

"The primary challenge for Hawker de Havilland's facility was to achieve this flat and smooth finish in a refurbished facility with existing concrete slab floors," expressed Mr Egan.  "Mastertop® 1230 from BASF was easy to apply, looked good and provided an extremely level and smooth floor to ensure the successful operation of the equipment, leaving everybody happy with the results."

"What's more, the extremely hard-wearing nature of the floor - and the fact that it's easy to clean and look after - also means it will stay looking good in such a busy manufacturing environment." Mr Egan added.

In order to meet the tight requirements, the existing concrete slab floor was first prepared with BASF's Concresive 2525® - solvent-free, high performance epoxy resin binder and structural adhesive, followed by a top coat of BASF's Mastertop® 1230 in a pale green colour.  The solution has provided Hawker de Havilland's facility with a flat and smooth floor that is critical in enabling the state-of-the-art robotic wing manoeuvring system to function correctly.

Mastertop ®1230 was applied at a thickness of between two and four millimetres.   The new floor was applied in two stages, encompassing a total area of about 3,600 square metres.

About BASF Construction Chemicals
BASF's Construction Chemicals division in the leading supplier of chemical systems and formulations for the construction industry.  Continuous innovation and tailor-made solutions ensure its customers are more successful.  Its Admixture Systems strategic business unit specifically helps customers in the ready-mix, precast, manufactured concrete and underground construction industries.  The Construction Systems unit offers a wide range of products for sports and industrial flooring, external renders and wall insulation, expansion joints, wood preservatives as well as specialist repair mortars, tile adhesives and waterproofing membranes.  The division operates production sites and sales centers in more than 50 countries and achieved sales of €2.1 billion with approximately 7,100 employees in 2007.  Further information is available at www.basf-cc.com.au

About BASF
BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company.  Its portfolio ranges from oil and gas to chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals.  As a reliable partner BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful.  With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility.  BASF has more than 95,000 employees and posted sales of almost €58 billion in 2007.  BASF shares are traded on the stock exchangesin Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN).  Further information on BASF is available on the internet at www.basf.com