CF Fertilisers is set to invest around £40m in its manufacturing complex following two years of record outputs building on its near 100-year heritage of fertiliser manufacturing at the site.
Described as the biggest investment at the site for 20 years, the project is expected to create more than 100 temporary jobs during its execution over the next two years, according to CF Billingham site manager, Keith Brudenell.
Brudenell said: “We are now the only company manufacturing high quality Ammonium Nitrate in the UK with our iconic blue bags a feature on farms up and down the country.
“Since CF Industries took a 100% holding in the site in 2015, demand has grown considerably, and we are now developing the plant to keep pace with this and meet the challenges of the future.”
The bulk of the money will be spent on two key projects to improve the infrastructure and production capabilities of the site with development of other facilities and equipment also planned.
Brudenell added: “The first priority is a £15.75m project to upgrade and rationalise the Billingham high voltage electricity distribution network including replacement of switchgear on the Ammonia plant and upgrading those on the fertiliser production units.
“The new high voltage network will be ‘state of the art’ with a lifespan in excess of 40 years giving us significant power security for future needs and making for more efficient production.”
The second major project is a £15.5m upgrade to the Ammonia reforming plant designed to extend its life by 20 years.
Brudenell explained: “This will involve replacement of the steam reforming equipment and gas transmission piping on the high temperature part of the plant and our aim is to complete the upgrade by 2020.”
In addition, CF Fertilisers is investing £8m to replace a range of equipment in one of its acid plants to improve reliability and meet the growing demand.
Brudenell said: “All in all, this is a real vote of confidence in the Billingham site and its team and for industrial chemicals on Teesside in general.
“It will allow us to continue the long history of Ammonia and fertiliser manufacture at Billingham and make sure we are in the best shape possible to look after the needs of all our employees and customers as we approach our 100-year anniversary in 2023.”
