While residents of Butler County may be familiar with BASF's site in Evans City, they may not know that what's produced there helps to keep people healthy, safe and improve the quality of life.

The site's 125 employees make products based on borane chemistry that are essential "building blocks" in the creation of drugs that treat glaucoma, hypertension, high cholesterol, Alzheimer's disease and depression. Other chemicals enable passenger-side airbags to inflate when needed and help make computer chips run faster. Other products are used for agrochemicals, surfactants, adhesives, flavors, fragrances and automobile parts.

The history of the Evans City site dates back to 1939 when Mine Safety Appliances (MSA) began operations there. The Callery Chemical Co. division was founded by MSA in 1947 to research boron compounds for high-energy rocket fuels.

In 2003, BASF, the world's largest chemical company, acquired Callery from MSA, and has made the site the cornerstone of its Inorganics business.

A commitment to quality and meeting customers' needs is central to BASF's philosophy of doing business. But that sense of commitment doesn't stop there. BASF regards the protection of health, safety and the environment as the company's most important responsibility.

BASF is committed to the American Chemistry Council's Responsible Care initiative, which strives to improve the industry's environmental, health and safety performance. BASF has reduced emissions, and reduced risks to employees and communities. The company also works with a Community Awareness and Emergency Response Committee to maintain dialogue with Evans City residents.

Committed to being a good neighbor, BASF supports organizations that enhance life in the area. In 2004, BASF and its employees contributed time and money to the United Way of Butler County to aid in flood relief efforts.

The Evans City and Callery volunteer fire departments also benefited in 2004 from a BASF donation to help upgrade radio equipment to meet the requirements of a new Butler County emergency communications system.

BASF's sponsorship of its 10th Annual Earth Day event at EDCO Park in Evans City supports the company's belief in environmental protection. This year it will be on April 30.

Each year, BASF also supports Partners in Education with the Seneca Valley School District and Mars High School.

Partners in Education connects high school and elementary students for an educational program on ground water and learning how to monitor water quality.

"BASF is known as the company that 'helps make products better,'" said Mark Finch, manager of site services at the Evans City site. "We are also known for helping to make our communities better. We are proud of the many contributions we've made to Butler County."