Fermachem, a major infrastructure and petrochemical project in Mexico, officially launched its nitrogen fertilizer plant in Lerdo, Durango. This world-class industrial project aims to strengthen Mexico’s food sovereignty, reduce dependence on imported fertilizers, and stimulate economic and social development in the region.
This project represents an investment of over 20 billion pesos, from both domestic and foreign private capital. It is expected to generate approximately 3,000 jobs during its construction phase and, once operational, around 260 permanent jobs, prioritizing local technical and specialist profiles.
Ray Fletcher, CEO of Fermachem, emphasized that the plant will be one of the most modern and important in the Americas. He noted that producing fertilizers in Mexico is critical to strengthening the country’s food sovereignty, supporting Mexican agriculture, and reducing dependence on foreign sources.
Furthermore, Fernando Calvillo, co-president of Fermaca Dreams along with Manuel Calvillo, stated that Fermachem represents “a monumental step” for Fermaca’s history and for Mexico, as it is a project that seeks to put industry at the service of agriculture and the families that depend on it.
“Fermachem was born with this vision: to put industry at the service of agriculture and its people, to put investment at the service of development, and to place Durango at the center of a transformation that will benefit all of Mexico,” Calvillo affirmed.
The plant will have the capacity to produce high-quality fertilizers for agricultural use. The estimated figure is one million tons annually, equivalent to 2,860 tons per day, and it is expected to begin operations in 2029.
Fletcher emphasized that this project will strengthen national production capacity for a strategic input for agriculture. He added that having fertilizer production in Mexico is a necessary condition for advancing toward greater food security and providing greater certainty for the country’s producers.
For his part, Fernando Calvillo pointed out that Fermachem’s true value goes beyond its infrastructure. He emphasized that the project aims to generate employment, development, opportunities, a sense of belonging, well-being, and hope for Mexican families.
Esteban Villegas, Governor of Durango, was also present at the event, where he highlighted the strategic importance of the project for the state and the country.
“Today we are witnessing something bigger than ourselves: the strengthening of Mexico’s food sovereignty and the laying of the first stone of Fermachem in Lerdo. A historic investment that will not only transform this region but will mark a turning point for the Laguna region and the entire state of Durango,” he stated.
As part of its social commitment, Fermachem plans to contribute more than 200 million pesos to the state of Durango and the municipality of Lerdo once the plant is completed. These resources will be allocated to community and social impact initiatives, with the goal of strengthening surrounding communities and generating tangible benefits for families in the region.
Fermachem was designed using world-class technology from KBR and Stamicarbon, global leaders in chemical processes and fertilizer production. The project incorporates the use of treated water, on-site electricity generation, and integrated CO₂ capture as part of its environmental responsibility approach.
Furthermore, the natural gas supply for the project is secured through an agreement with Esentia Energy Systems. This energy infrastructure will enable the development of a large-scale industrial project that will benefit the country.
Calvillo expressed his gratitude for the support of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Governor Esteban Villegas, and their respective teams, noting that their support and vision have been essential to the project’s progress.
Source: jornada
