Uralchem sets record for the production of ammonia

Uralchem set an absolute record in 2013 for the highest output of ammonia in Russia, with the total output of 2.819 million tonnes. Compared with 2012, production grew by 1.3%.

The increased production was achieved through stable work of the units during the year, the implementation of projects to increase daily production at the units in the group’s enterprises in the Perm region and in Kirovo-Chepetsk, as well as through shortening repair down-time. The market situation in the ammonia segment of the global fertilizer market allowed the company to steadily follow its general production strategy.

Uralchem's production of major commodity products in 2013 comprised 6.039 million tonnes, 0.3% higher than a year earlier. Production of ammonium nitrate and its derivatives was 2.789 million tonnes, an increase by 7% compared to the same period last year. Monitoring the market situation, the company adjusted its production to the existing demand. Production of ammonia was decreased by 3% to 768 thousand tonnes. Urea production decreased by 2% to 1.138 million tonnes. Production of compound fertilizers decreased by 5%, to 581 thousand tonnes. Production of phosphate fertilizers (MAP / DAP) decreased by 13%, to 433 thousand tonnes.

Dmitry Konyaev, CEO of Uralchem, OJSC, commented on the results, “In 2013 URALCHEM cemented its leadership of the nitrogen segment. It retained first place in Russia for the production of ammonia and ammonium nitrate, and the second in the production of urea.

"At the same time, an unfavourable situation for manufacturers in the global fertilizer market has reduced the output of certain products, primarily phosphorus fertilizers. In difficult market conditions, URALCHEM showed its significant margin of safety and ability to develop.


"In 2013, we successfully completed our largest logistics project when we opened a terminal in Riga for transhipment of bulk fertilizers with the capacity of up to 2 million tonnes per year. We signed an agreement on cooperation with the world's top developer and licensor of urea processes, Stamicarbon. At the end of 2013 we acquired a 19.99 % stake in Uralkali, which we see as a strategic investment in one of the most profitable and promising sectors of the fertilizer market.”

Uralchem, OJSC is one of the largest producers of nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers in Russia and the CIS with production capacities of over 2.5 million tonnes of ammonium nitrate, 2.8 million tonnes of ammonia, 0.8 million tonnes of MAP and DAP, 0.8 million tonnes of complex fertilisers and 1.2 million tonnes of urea.

Uralchem, OJSC is the second largest ammonium nitrate producer in the world and number one in Russia, the second largest producer of nitrogen fertilisers in Russia. Key production assets of URALCHEM, OJSC include Azot Branch of URALCHEM, OJSC in Berezniki, Perm Region; OJSC Minudobrenia, Perm; MFP Kirovo-Chepetsk Chemical Works, OJSC Branch in Kirovo-Chepetsk, Kirov region; Voskresensk Mineral Fertilisers, OJSC in Voskresensk, Moscow region.