Petrobras closes fertilizer factory in Paraná and will dismiss 396 employees

Petrobras' fertilizer factory is Ansa's only asset, with the decision 396 workers will be dismissed in Paraná

This Tuesday, the 14th, Petrobras approved the closure of activities at the fertilizer factory located in Araucária, Paraná. The decision will result in the dismissal of 396 employees at the unit. The unit's divestment process began more than two years ago, but negotiations with the Russian company Acron Group were ended without the sale being carried out., as announced last November.

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The choice comes after several unsuccessful attempts by the company to sell the asset, which according to Petrobras has been showing recurring losses since it was acquired in 2013.

In a note, Petrobras says that Ansa's results demonstrate the lack of sustainability of the business: from January to September last year alone, the loss was almost R$ 250 million. By the end of this year, forecasts were for a negative result of more than R$400 million.

According to the note, “In the current market context, the raw material used in the plant (asphalt residue) is more expensive than its final products (ammonia and urea)”.

ANSA/Fafen-PR is the only fertilizer factory in the country that operates with this type of raw material.

"The factory will remain hibernated under conditions that guarantee total operational and environmental safety, in addition to the integrity of the equipment", said the company.

The decision to hibernate the factory, Petrobras pointed out, is in line with the strategic position of fully exiting the fertilizer business.

The company is currently completely focused on the exploration and production of oil and gas in deep and ultra-deep waters, in search of greater financial returns and improved capital allocation.

"The factory will remain hibernated in conditions that guarantee total operational and environmental safety, in addition to the integrity of the equipment", informed Petrobras.

dismissal of workers

Petrobras informed that the 396 employees who will be dismissed will receive, in addition to the legal severance pay, an additional package.

Among the proposed benefits are a monetary value of between 50 and 200 reais, proportional to remuneration and time worked; maintenance of medical and dental plan, pharmacy benefit and educational assistance for up to 24 months, in addition to specialized advice on professional outplacement.

The state informed that the HANDLE met this Tuesday with the union to address the issue.