Detroit is synonymous with its nickname, “The Motor City,” a place where assembly lines roared, and innovation reshaped the modern world. But just 15 miles south, in the small town of Wyandotte, there is a lesser-known story of ingenuity—one that has quietly transformed the chemical industry for more than a century.
Now recognized as one of BASF’s key manufacturing sites in North America, the Wyandotte production site traces its roots back to 1893 when Captain John B. Ford founded the Michigan Alkali Company. Chosen for its access to raw materials, the site initially focused on producing critical components for glassmaking. Over the decades, the company expanded its capabilities and product lines and, in 1943, consolidated into the Wyandotte Chemical Corporation, a move that reflected its growing role in industrial and consumer chemicals.
That legacy of innovation eventually captured BASF’s attention and in 1969, BASF acquired Wyandotte Chemical in what was then the largest investment by a German company in the United States. The acquisition helped establish BASF’s presence in North America and brought a proud legacy of American chemical manufacturing into the company’s global operations.
Since then, the Wyandotte site has remained a cornerstone of production and innovation across BASF’s diverse business units. A defining moment came in 2006, when BASF acquired the renowned Johnson Polymer group. This strategic move marked the beginning of BASF’s journey into the resins business, bringing with it not only a portfolio of new products and capabilities but also a passionate and skilled team committed to driving the business forward.
The People Powering Progress:
As we approach 2026, we mark two decades of progress. Over the past 19 years, BASF’s Resins team members have demonstrated extraordinary talent and played an instrumental role in increasing production and supporting our customers.
Our dedicated BASF teammates have helped scale new product lines, solve complex challenges, and foster a culture of reliability and innovation. Their efforts reflect the spirit of our Winning Ways strategy, showing urgency in execution, ownership in problem-solving, and a shared commitment to delivering meaningful results.
This collective dedication is what sets Wyandotte apart—not just as a manufacturing site but as a community of people who take pride in their work and in each other.
That sense of belonging is echoed by Tim Olson, who joined BASF with the Johnson Polymer acquisition and is celebrating 25 years in the resins business:
“People are what make companies special and are the key to success—both Johnson Polymer and BASF embraced this idea. Johnson Polymer had around 400 employees, while BASF, a global leader in the chemical industry, had more than 100,000 worldwide. At first, some of us wondered how the culture might evolve. But from my very first onboarding experience with BASF in 2006, I felt part of a company that truly values its people and their families. Nineteen years later, that feeling has not changed. The Wyandotte site and community welcomed us with open arms. It has been a pleasure to be part of it.”
Tim’s sentiment and years of service serve as a powerful reminder that the strength of a company lies not just in its products, but in the people who bring them to life every day.
Domestic Production, Global Impact
In today’s dynamic global landscape, where supply chains face constant pressure and customer expectations continue to evolve, strong domestic manufacturing is more than a strategic advantage; it is essential. At BASF’s Wyandotte site, that strength is on full display.
“At Wyandotte, our people are the foundation of everything we do. Their expertise, dedication, and drive for excellence are what make our domestic production not just reliable—but exceptional. Every resin we produce reflects our commitment to quality and our promise to help customers succeed in a rapidly changing world.” – Justin Evoy, Wyandotte Resins Operations Director
BASF’s Wyandotte site produces high-performance resins for a wide range of applications—including industrial coatings for automotive and metal protection, adhesives for construction and packaging, and specialty solutions used in floorcare, printing, and packaging.
Under Evoy’s leadership, the team delivers key products such as the Acroflor® floorcare products used for durable floor finishes, and Joncryl® acrylic resins, which serve as essential building blocks in waterborne and solvent-borne formulations.
The Joncryl portfolio supports a broad range of technologies, including single-component (1K) and two-component (2K) systems. Joncryl products are utilized across multiple markets, from environmentally conscious coatings to high-performance inks and varnishes. These products play a vital role in helping customers meet performance, sustainability, and regulatory goals across diverse industries.
This impact is amplified by the advantages of local production, which enables faster turnaround times, greater responsiveness, and fewer disruptions compared to overseas sourcing. It also allows our teams to collaborate closely with customers, gather direct feedback, and continuously refine our offerings to meet evolving market needs.
“Our Resins commercial and technical teams serve our customers with creativity and confidence, knowing the high-power team at the Wyandotte plant is the engine driving us—putting us in position to win.” – Jennifer Sinsigalli, Head of Sales – Resins North America
Wyandotte is part of a broader global network that supports BASF’s resins business. Our production site in Heerenveen, Netherlands plays a key role in serving customers across Europe and beyond, ensuring consistent quality and supply wherever our products are needed.
Together, these sites reflect BASF’s commitment to operational excellence, customer focus, and innovation. From the production floor to the loading dock, Wyandotte continues to demonstrate what domestic manufacturing can achieve: driving progress, supporting industry needs, and shaping the future of resins.
As we look ahead to our 20th anniversary in 2026 and beyond, the Wyandotte team remains focused on what matters most: delivering value to our customers, supporting our communities, and continuing to lead with purpose.