TEL AVIV, Israel, March 18 — ICL (NYSE: ICL) (TASE: ICL), a leading global specialty minerals company, today announced the opening of a new specialty fertilizer production facility in Maharashtra, India. The launch comes at a critical time for India, which relies heavily on fertilizer imports and is now facing supply disruptions due to the latest geopolitical instability and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz – a key global shipping corridor. These delays are already affecting fertilizer availability worldwide and could pose long‑term risks to food security if not addressed. This new facility supports the Government of India’s “Make in India” initiative and reflects ICL’s strategy to expand local production in high-growth markets. By manufacturing Water Soluble Fertilizers (WSF) within India, ICL aims to reduce dependence on cross-border supply chains, diversify production routes and ensure more reliable access to essential agricultural inputs.
The plant will produce advanced Water Soluble Fertilizers solutions, that enable precise nutrient delivery and higher agronomic efficiency. According to customs import data and growth trends from previous years, India WSF market has demonstrated a high single-digit CAGR. By expanding access to these solutions, the facility will support Indian farmers in adopting more efficient and sustainable growing practices, helping to increase yields and strengthen long-term food security.
The new facility will span approximately seven acres (28,000 square meters) and will replicate ICL’s advanced production model currently operating in Israel. Designed to deliver the same high-quality specialty fertilizer products currently exported from Israel, the plant will strengthen supply reliability and build a more diversified production base that can better navigate geopolitical constraints while supporting long-term customer demand. ICL has worked closely with partners and customers in India for more than three decades, generating approximately $250 million in annual revenues.
“Establishing this manufacturing plant in India is a strategic step in scaling our specialty fertilizer production platform,” said Nir Ilani, President of the Growing Solutions Division of ICL. “With geopolitical tensions disrupting global trade routes and delaying fertilizer shipments through a key corridor such as the Strait of Hormuz, building local production capacity is essential. This facility enhances India’s supply resilience and ensures farmers have consistent access to high-quality solutions.”
The investment strengthens ICL’s long-term strategy to expand its specialty fertilizers market, deepen customer relationships and respond more effectively to local agronomic needs.
