Yara Aims to Transform the Tertre Plant to Boost Long-Term Competitiveness

On October 14, 2024, Yara Tertre management informed worker representatives of the company’s plan to transform the plant. The proposed changes include the closure of the ammonia unit and a shift in production to focus on more competitive products such as premium nitrate fertilizers and industrial nitrogen chemicals. The plant has been under financial strain due to challenging market conditions, rising energy prices, and high maintenance costs. Furthermore, growing environmental regulations and the urgency for faster decarbonization have heightened the demands on ammonia production at Tertre.

Michel Warzée, General Manager of the Yara Tertre site, explained that to achieve long-term profitability and sustainability while maintaining quality jobs, the company must consider significant changes. These changes would allow Yara to continue serving its European customers and prepare for the plant’s decarbonization. The strategy aims to enhance the competitiveness and profitability of Yara’s premium products while positioning the site for future environmental requirements. The plan involves sourcing ammonia from other locations and concentrating on the site’s most profitable offerings: premium nitrate fertilizers and industrial products. After the transformation, Tertre would produce 600,000 tonnes of premium nitrate fertilizers and 250,000 tonnes of high-value industrial products annually. Eventually, the transition to low-emission ammonia would enable the site to deliver premium low-carbon fertilizers, contributing to reduced agricultural emissions.

As part of the procedure under Belgian regulations for collective dismissals, Yara Tertre’s management presented this plan at an Extraordinary Works Council meeting to inform and consult with workers. If the transformation goes ahead, it could lead to a reduction in production volumes and potentially result in the dismissal of around 115 employees, though the long-term future of the plant would be safeguarded, securing over 200 jobs. Warzée emphasized that Yara understands the significant impact of this announcement on staff and will provide support throughout the process. While acknowledging the social implications, he stressed that the transformation is essential to ensure the Tertre plant’s future viability and stability.

Yara's mission is to feed the world responsibly while safeguarding the planet. The company seeks sustainable value growth by minimizing emissions in crop nutrition production and creating low-emission energy solutions. Yara is committed to fostering a nature-positive future for food, generating value for its customers, shareholders, and society, while promoting a more sustainable food supply chain.

To facilitate the green transition in fertilizer production, shipping, and other energy-intensive sectors, Yara aims to produce ammonia with significantly lower emissions. The company provides digital tools for precision agriculture and works with partners across the food value chain to exchange knowledge and advance more efficient, sustainable solutions. Established in 1905 to address the emerging famine in Europe, Yara has become the only global crop nutrition company in the industry. With a workforce of 18,000 and operations in over 60 countries, sustainability is central to Yara's business model. In 2023, the company reported revenues of USD 15.5 billion. Yara's Tertre plant, situated in the Tertre-Hautrage-Villerot industrial zone, produces ammonia, nitric acid, and fertilizers. It complies with SEVESO high-threshold regulations and employs over 300 direct staff, along with approximately 100 contractors daily.