BASF has combined its water solutions and oilfield and mining solutions businesses from April 2013.

BASF says that this is to increase efficiency and support its growth strategies. The new global business unit will be located in Ludwigshafen, Germany.

“By combining the strengths of these businesses, sharpening our focused market approach and at the same time increasing operational and innovation excellence, we are in a good position to advance innovative solutions to the water, oilfield and mining industries,” said Hans W Reiners, president of BASF’s Performance Chemicals division.

BASF also expects to reduce its water solutions workforce by about 215 positions worldwide. Most of the planned job reductions will occur at the Bradford and Grimsby, UK sites.