MAIRE expands Latin American fertilizer footprint with major Argentina urea complex contract

MAIRE subsidiary Tecnimont has secured a contract from Fértil Pampa S.A.U. to develop a large-scale fertilizer complex in Argentina. The project will include ammonia and ultra-low energy urea production facilities with annual output of 2.1 million metric tons, positioning it as a significant addition to the region’s agricultural supply infrastructure.

MAIRE’s engineering subsidiary Tecnimont has been awarded a contract by Fértil Pampa S.A.U., a subsidiary of Pampa Energía S.A., for the development of a major fertilizer production complex in Argentina’s Buenos Aires Province. The project will be located within the Bahía Blanca Industrial Complex and will include an ammonia plant and two ultra-low energy urea production lines with integrated granulation facilities.

The planned facility is designed to produce approximately 6,000 metric tons of urea per day, equivalent to around 2.1 million metric tons annually. Once completed, it is expected to become the largest urea production facility in Latin America by output capacity. The complex will occupy an 80-hectare site near existing energy infrastructure, including gas supply networks, electricity transmission systems, water facilities and a deep-water port supporting domestic distribution and exports.

The contract, valued at approximately €1.3 billion, covers engineering, procurement, construction support, commissioning and start-up activities. MAIRE’s technology division NextChem will provide technology solutions based on Stamicarbon’s urea melt and granulation technologies, while KBR will supply ammonia process technology. Construction activities will involve SACDE S.A., an Argentine engineering and construction company.

The project is strategically important for Argentina’s agricultural and industrial sectors as it aims to expand domestic fertilizer production capacity and reduce reliance on external supply sources. Fertilizer availability is closely linked to agricultural productivity, particularly in major crop-producing regions that depend on nitrogen-based inputs.

Beyond agriculture, the development is expected to strengthen demand across engineering, construction, energy, logistics and industrial services sectors. During peak construction, the project is projected to generate more than 3,500 direct jobs, along with additional employment opportunities across supporting supply chains.

For businesses and investors, the contract highlights increasing investment in downstream natural gas utilization and industrial infrastructure in Argentina. The project also represents MAIRE’s expansion into the Argentine market, while strengthening the role of international engineering firms and technology providers in large-scale chemical and fertilizer developments across emerging markets.

MAIRE is an Italian technology and engineering group focused on sustainable solutions for energy transition, fertilizers, chemicals and industrial infrastructure. Its subsidiary Tecnimont provides integrated engineering and construction services for large industrial projects worldwide.