When Stamicarbon decided to commercialize its own patented granulation technology, we quickly realised that success would depend on a major up-scaling from the initial pilot plant to a plant with major commercial capacity.

So, in 1996, we joined forces with urea producer Grodno Azot in Belarus. Grodno already operated a granulation plant that was functioning below par, so when approached by Stamicarbon it seized the opportunity to take its operation to the next level. The two business partners created a Stamicarbon fluid-bed granulation unit at the Grodno plant with a capacity of 280 mtpd.

Following this success, Stamicarbon and the Canadian urea producer Agrium implemented a similar solution just one year later at its granulation plant in Fort Saskatchewan. Since September 2003, the granulation plant has operated with no problems, and with excellent product quality.