BASF to spend $33 million expanding RTP facilities

BASF, the German chemical giant, will invest $33 million expanding its Research Triangle Park facilities.

Last month the company announced that it is moving the headquarters of its plant science division from Germany to RTP.

The company already employs about 780 people in RTP, where it occupies 400,000 square feet.

The plant science division, which employs about 200 people, is working to create genetically modified crops that will produce larger harvests or plants that will be better able to withstand drought, floods and rising ocean levels.

The expansion announced Wednesday includes adding nearly 80,000 square feet of offices, laboratory and a climate-controlled greenhouse space. The project, which is the first of several investments planned at the RTP site, is expected to break ground next month.

BASF's transfer of its plant science headquarters to RTP is expected to add as many 123 positions.