BASF Marks 150th Anniversary with Celebration in Germany

GERMANY: BASF celebrated its 150th anniversary on April 23 at the Feierabendhaus in Ludwigshafen.

“One hundred fifty years is a special company anniversary—an opportunity to look back and reflect, but also to look forward,” said Dr. Kurt Bock, chairman of the board of executive directors of BASF SE.

German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel and Malu Dreyer, minister-president of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate, also congratulated BASF in front of 1,000 guests from government, business, science and society.

Also at the anniversary celebration were many BASF employees who won a drawing to attend the event as well as employees with birthdays on April 6 – the day BASF was founded.

During the anniversary event, five scientists talked about current research projects at BASF with moderator Barbara Hahlweg from German TV station ZDF. The discussions showed the contributions chemistry makes in the area of energy efficiency.

Another highlight of the event was the premiere of the composition “Symphony No. 8: Water Dances,” which Michael Nyman composed especially for BASF’s anniversary. The English composer was inspired by typical company sounds, which BASF employees worldwide collected and submitted in 2014. The symphonic work was performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London, led by the Spanish conductor Josep Vicent.