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BASF Conducts Feasibility Study for MDI Production Investment in India

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Key Takeaways

  • BASF is in advanced feasibility studies for a potential MDI production complex in Dahej, Gujarat.
  • The proposed facility would supply locally produced MDI to customers across India and neighboring markets.
  • BASF's existing Dahej MDI splitter and polyurethane facilities provide a foundation for the investment.

BASF SE (BASFY - Free Report) announced that it is evaluating a potential investment in India to establish a methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) production complex in Dahej, Gujarat, to address the growing regional customer demand. The company is in the advanced stages of a feasibility study and has secured an industrial land parcel through its Indian subsidiary, BASF India Polyurethanes Private Limited.

MDI is a key raw material used in polyurethane products for building insulation, refrigeration, automotive components, furniture and consumer goods. The investment plan is aligned with BASF’s ‘Winning Ways’ strategy and local-for-local approach, which focuses on strengthening core businesses and expanding its manufacturing footprint.

The potential facility would ensure reliable supply of locally produced MDI to customers across India and neighboring markets. The investment decision will depend on the feasibility study’s outcome and remain subject to necessary approvals.

The proposed project would complement BASF’s global MDI production network, which includes facilities in the United States, Belgium, China and South Korea. Meanwhile, the company’s $1 billion MDI expansion project in Geismar, LA, is entering its final phase.

BASF’s existing operations in Dahej, including an MDI splitter and polyurethane production facilities, provide a strong foundation for the potential investment. India’s expanding urbanization, infrastructure development and manufacturing activity are expected to support demand for high-performance materials, creating growth opportunities for BASF India.

BASFY’s shares have gained 17.2% in the past year compared with the industry’s 1.7% decline in the same period.

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BASFY’s Zacks Rank & Key Picks

BASFY currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Some better-ranked stocks in the Basic Materials space are Reliance, Inc. (RS - Free Report) , Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (KRO - Free Report) and Avient Corporation (AVNT - Free Report) .

While RS currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), KRO and AVNT carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) each. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RS’ 2026 earnings is pegged at $22.23 per share, indicating a 55.89% year-over-year increase. RS’shares have gained 35.9% over the past year.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for KRO’s 2026 earnings is pegged at 35 cents per share, indicating a rise of 136.46% year over year. Its earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the trailing four quarters while missing it in the rest, with an average surprise of 33.99%.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AVNT’s current-year earnings is pinned at $3.2 per share, indicating a 13.48% year-over-year increase. Its earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average surprise of 3.4%. AVNT’sshares have gained 17.6% over the past year.

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