ICL Group Ltd. opened a new specialty fertilizer production facility in Maharashtra, India on March 18 2026. The plant expands local production capacity and enhances supply security amid global shipping disruptions, including the recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The facility is part of ICL’s broader strategy to shift from commodity exposure toward higher‑margin specialty products. It will produce controlled‑release and biostimulant products, as well as advanced water‑soluble fertilizers, to serve Indian farmers and meet the country’s growing demand for specialty crop nutrition.
The opening supports the Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative and strengthens ICL’s presence in a market that generated approximately $250 million in annual revenue for the company. While the investment amount for the new plant was not disclosed, the move is expected to contribute to ICL’s goal of doubling specialty crop nutrition sales and improving EBITDA margins in that segment.
ICL’s 2025 financial results provide context for the expansion. Total revenue reached $7.153 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $1.488 billion and a margin of 21 %. Q3 2025 sales were $1.9 billion, and the company guided 2026 adjusted EBITDA to $1.4 billion–$1.6 billion. The new facility is positioned to accelerate growth in the specialty segment, which has been a key driver of the company’s margin improvement.
Management highlighted the strategic importance of the plant. Nir Ilani, President of the Growing Solutions Division, said, “Establishing this manufacturing plant in India is a strategic step in scaling our specialty fertilizer production platform. 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.” CEO Elad Aharonson added, “We finished 2025 on a solid note, with Q4 sales increasing 6 % and adjusted EBITDA improving 10 %, and we remain committed to growing our leadership position in our segments.”
The facility’s opening also addresses supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by the Strait of Hormuz closure. By manufacturing locally, ICL reduces dependence on imports and mitigates risks associated with shipping disruptions, positioning the company to better serve Indian customers and maintain competitive pricing in a market with high single‑digit CAGR for water‑soluble fertilizers.
Overall, the Maharashtra plant represents a significant operational milestone that aligns with ICL’s strategic pivot toward specialty crop nutrition, strengthens supply resilience, and supports growth in a key emerging market.
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