German firm launches 1st application laboratory for surface treatment in Vietnam

The facility offers product testing and technical support for surface treatment customers across a range of sectors, including automotive OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and component manufacturing, general industry, and plastics recycling.

"Speed is a key competitive advantage in Southeast Asia’s fast-changing market," said Evelyn Shen, vice-president of Chemetall Asia Pacific.

"By investing in local technical capabilities, we add value for our customers and are strategically positioned to address the increasing complexity and evolving needs of strong growth markets like Vietnam with greater speed and agility."

Shen added that Chemetall is committed to delivering innovative surface treatment technologies and providing expert technical services to support its customers’ success in this dynamic region.

The new laboratory is equipped to perform liquid sample analytics, panel and workpiece analytics, and application testing for surface treatment technical trials.

Its capabilities help accelerate testing and performance validation, ensuring that surface treatments meet stringent customer requirements and deliver reliable performance in real-world applications.

Mike He, regional manager of application technologies at Chemetall Asia Pacific, noted that with its advanced technical capabilities and expertise closer to customers and partners, it enhances collaboration, shortens trial-to-result turnaround time, and provides efficient local support to solve its customers’ technical challenges.

The launch of the new application laboratory in Vietnam further extends Chemetall’s regional footprint, bringing the total number of application laboratories in Asia Pacific to eight, including operations in Australia, China, India, Singapore, and Thailand.

BASF Coatings is a global expert in the development, production, and marketing of innovative and sustainable automotive OEM components and refinish coatings as well as applied surface treatments for metal, plastic, and glass substrates in a wide range of industries.

The firm operates a collaborative network of sites in Europe, South America, Middle East, Africa, North America, and Asia Pacific. 

In 2025, its businesses achieved global sales of about €3.7 billion (US$4.3 billion).