BASF's Closing Of N.J. Research Center Won't Affect Lawn Care Industry

BASF said it is concentrating its agricultural research in Germany and at its Research Triangle Park in North Carolina following its $3.8 billion buyout last year of American Home Products Corp.'s pesticide business (for more information click here BASF Purchases AHP’s Cyanamid Division.

"It just made good business sense to have all of our research facilities at one site — at Research Triangle Park," said Derek Miller, marketing communication manager for BASF's turf, ornamental and pest control divisions. "Transfer of information and date will greatly benefit from this change, in my opinion."

BASF will end research and development in Princeton by the end of June 2002 and close the center there by the end of the third quarter of that year, the company said.

"Reductions of approximately 200 positions will occur in the third quarter 2001," a company statement said. "The remaining employees will be asked to stay on to finish ongoing projects, and guarantee the continuity and transfer of needed know-how and capabilities."

"This concentration will significantly increase our research efficiency," said Hans Reiners, the head of BASF's agricultural products division.

BASF is headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Its agricultural products division is based in Mount Olive, N.J.