Admixture Systems  

The  Admixture Systems business of BASF Construction Chemicals was founded in Cleveland, Ohio in 1909 as Master Builders, Inc. by chemist S.W. Flesheim. A visionary and pioneer in the construction market, Mr. Flesheim sought to bring innovative solutions to the industry. His first product was a cement/iron floor topping mix broadcast on top of freshly placed concrete to replace the wood block systems used by factories at the time, dramatically improving wear resistance and appearance. Later, the company invented non-shrink grouts used to secure massive machinery and as foundations for large structures.

Early in the 20th century, the company was one of the first to supply water-reducing and air-entraining admixtures and to provide waterproofing for concrete mortars. These products and many others were used on such well-known construction projects as the Field Museum in Chicago, Hoover Dam, the Panama Canal and the Sears Tower.

For nearly a century, the company has continued to push the limits of chemistry and convention to develop and introduce products that improve concrete in any application. Today, the Admixture Systems business remains a leading innovator in the development, manufacturing and marketing of chemical admixtures and silica fume for concrete used in the ready mix, precast, paving, manufactured concrete products and underground construction markets. We offer the widest range of concrete admixtures available from a single source, used to improve the plastic properties of concrete such as; placing, pumping, finishing and appearance. Our respected Master Builders brand products improve hardened, engineering properties of concrete. They ensure high strength and durability, inhibit corrosion of steel embedded in concrete, reduce permeability, improve resistance to chemical attack, allow effective placement of concrete in extreme weather conditions, and even enable concrete to be placed under water. New liquid coloring admixtures ensure enduring, structurally sound colored architectural concrete.   

The Admixture Systems business operates as part of BASF - the world’s leading chemical company with customers in more than 170 countries, over 150 production sites worldwide and 95,000 employees. BASF is headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany, where it operates the world’s largest integrated chemical complex.