80 jobs affected by the cessation of ammonia production at Grandpuits

This is not a big surprise for the unions since the information had been in the pipeline for several months, but it is now official: LAT Nitrogen definitely stop it ammonia production on his website Grandpuits-Bailly-Carrosnear Nangis, in Seine-et-Marne. A decision that should affect nearly 80 employees. And if the name of this company doesn't mean anything to you, it's because it was born in 2023, following the buyout by the group Agrofert fertilizer, technical nitrogen and melamine activities of the company Borealis, established in Grandpuits for many years.

“The only viable solution”

“After considering different options, ending ammonia production became the obvious choice. the only viable solution to preserve our competitiveness in a particularly difficult market. I fully appreciate the impact of this project on Grandpuits employees, which is why we are committed to offering them the best possible support,” explains Leo AldersPDG de LAT Nitrogen.

Indeed, faced with strong international competition, and in particular that of non-European players whose imports deteriorate prices and margins on European markets, the Grandpuits site was experiencing major economic difficulties in recent years.

“Imports, such as urea, replace nitrates, while ammonia is cheaper to import than to be produced in Europe,” specifies the company.

But competition is not the only problem the company is facing lately: “In 2023 and 2024, LAT Nitrogen also faces a weakening of demand for its products. In addition to the challenges posed by the international market, the Grandpuits ammonia plant has long suffered from lack of viabilityleading to significant and persistent financial losses, with no prospect of the situation changing,” recognizes LAT Nitrogen.

“Prioritize social dialogue and support employees as best as possible”

Faced with these problems, the company therefore decided to make the difficult decision to stop its ammonia production at Grandpuits.

“To successfully navigate this volatile environment, regain healthy growth and safeguard its competitiveness in France, LAT Nitrogen, after considering several alternatives, has no other choice than to cease its activities in the ammonia field in Grandpuits. This project will also put an end to a long period of uncertainty for the site's staff”, estimates this major player in the economy in Seine-et-Marne.

However, the company does not intend to leave the nearly 80 employees concerned by this decision: “LAT Nitrogen will favor social dialogue and is committed to supporting employees as best as possible,” she assures.

Contacted, the Force Ouvrière union prefers not to communicate for the moment in order to “ stay in a constructive framework ».

Finally, note that if the production of ammonia will no longer take place at Grandpuits, the manufacture of acids and fertilizers should continue, via theimport d’ammoniac on site.

“Through this project we will stabilize our financial situation, which is essential to face the challenges facing the industry in Europe. Finally, by ceasing ammonia production, we will also be able to restore the viability of the remaining activities and save the site », concludes Leo Alders.

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