Huntsman to shift HQ from Basel to Singapore

-- Home Textiles Today, 3/4/2009 8:37:00 AM

Basel, Switzerland – Textile dye and chemical treatment producer Huntsman Textile Effects plans to establish new headquarters in Singapore.

The company, a unit of Huntsman Corporation, called the move “a major milestone of the division’s previously announced restructuring” that and will aid its “focus on serving selected global market segments from the region most expected to fuel growth in the years to come.”

The current Huntsman Textile Effects HQ site in Basel will continue serving manufacturing, research, and European customer service functions, the company said.

Paul Hulme, president of Huntsman Textile Effects, said, “The relocation of the divisional headquarters and its leadership team is the next important step in our restructuring program and will ensure that the business is fully aligned to market trends and customer needs.” He added, “It also brings us closer to our sales and customer support organization in Asia, which is already the largest in Textile Effects.”

The move, to the existing Huntsman Gateway Center at Beach Road in Singapore, is expected to be completed by mid-year.