(Yicai Global) Nov.23 -- BASF, a German chemical giant, has opened its biggest facility globally for treating surfaces of components used in sectors such as cars and aviation in China to get closer to its local clients.

The Chemetall-branded factory, located in the Dushan Port Economic Zone in Zhejiang province, was inaugurated yesterday, the Ludwigshafen-headquartered firm said in a statement the same day. The 60,000-square-meter plant features a high level of process automation and digitalization to make manufacturing and logistics more efficient.

The location in the city of Pinghu was chosen for client fit. "The Pinghu site is another good example to demonstrate our customer focus by enhancing our local technological and market positions," said Jeffrey Lou, chairman of BASF China.

The Asia Pacific is the world’s fastest-growing surface treatment market, and China makes up about half of the Asian market, said Christophe Cazabeau, senior vice president of surface treatment in the coatings division. The firm is significantly reducing its delivery time to local customers by localizing production, he added.

The brand's presence is widening in China as BASF opened the Chemetall Asia Pacific Innovation and Technology Center in Shanghai earlier this month to develop new ideas regarding treatments to improve components' properties involving corrosion and adhesion.

Editor: Emmi Laine, Xiao Yi