Pictured above, from l. to r.: BASF Sparta Site Manager Andy Schmitt marks the official opening of the newly upgraded packaging facility with David Bigner, TES Manager; Leanne Thornton, Reliability Engineer; Andy Schmitt, Sparta Site Manager; Mitchel Mikolajewski, Controls Engineer; Shawn Solomon, Production Operator; Chad Pryor, Production Coordinator and John DiCicco, Production Manager.
BASF’s Sparta facility manufactures Nylon 6, Nylon 6/6 and Polyester colored specialty resins
Sparta – BASF’s Sparta site has completed an automation project to upgrade the facility’s packaging process through robotics and digitalization tools. In addition to enhancing the packaging process, the project created a safer work environment by improving ergonomic challenges. BASF Sparta recently hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the achievement.
“We are celebrating the completion of this project due to the hard work of BASF’s Sparta team and their ability to collaborate with each other and other BASF colleagues from around the world,” said Andy Schmitt, Site Manager at BASF’s Sparta facility. “Planning for this project began five years ago and I appreciate everyone’s dedication seeing it through to fruition.”
BASF’s Sparta facility manufactures Nylon 6, Nylon 6/6 and Polyester colored specialty resins, which are engineered plastics used in automotive parts, consumer and industrial goods, power distribution and telecommunications and more. The completion of this project enables the facility to package and distribute its products at a higher rate, which is important with the growth of the automotive industry in Tennessee and the surrounding states.
The utilization of robotics also positions the Sparta facility on the cutting edge of manufacturers in this sector; specifically, within BASF’s Performance Materials division where Sparta is the first location in North America to utilize this technology.
“Through our use of robotics and advanced digitalization tools, Sparta is well positioned for future growth and expansion,” said Schmitt. “We have enjoyed a positive relationship with the local community for years and this upgrade makes our facility more appealing to the workforce of the future and emphasizes our commitment to continuous improvement.”
Learn more about BASF in Tennessee at basf.us/tn.
