In conversation with ... LAT-Nitrogen

Strong roots, new directions: LAT-Nitrogen as a driving force for the Linz Chemical Park

LAT-Nitrogen, based in the Linz Chemical Park, looks back on a history spanning more than 80 years and is now part of the Agrofert Group, which employs 34,000 people across Europe. The Linz site employs 850 staff, who together embody expertise and innovative strength.

As a production network comprising chemical plants and power stations, LAT-Nitrogen manufactures innovative products based on nitrogen chemistry, including plant nutrients, which, as its main product, make an important contribution to sustainable agriculture. The Business and Innovation department met Dr Leonhard Werner, Managing Director of the Linz site, at the chemical park for a discussion.

Chemistry that connects: LAT-Nitrogen products as everyday companions

With its products, LAT-Nitrogen lays the foundation for our daily lives. “They enable the production of food, cleaning products, steel, wood-based materials and furniture. The basic chemicals and fertilisers are essential for numerous industries and can be found in virtually every household and business. It is practically impossible not to come into contact with a LAT-Nitrogen product at some point in your life – be it through melamine resin in furniture, urea glue in joinery products or mineral fertilisers in the fields,” says Leonhard Werner, explaining the versatility of the product portfolio.

Efficiency and Responsibility: Sustainability as a Corporate Standard

Despite its highly energy-intensive production processes – LAT-Nitrogen is the country’s largest industrial consumer, accounting for around 7% of Austria’s natural gas demand – the company has always aspired to be a global leader in efficiency and environmental protection. The chemical company achieved this standard years ago and continues to build on this pioneering role. Furthermore, resources are extracted as carefully as possible, and production is carried out as environmentally friendly as technology allows.

The mineral fertilisers return to the soil only what has been taken from the plant; according to Werner, this is “a sustainable circular economy that preserves the balance of nature.” The correct dosage is crucial, as this is the only way to maintain the balance between people and the environment. LAT-Nitrogen also sets standards in the social sphere. High-quality apprenticeships, particularly in chemical process engineering, mechanics and electrical engineering, ensure the competence of the workforce and the company’s economic success.

Security of supply in times of crisis

Particularly in times of economic and geopolitical uncertainty, the company sees itself as playing a part in ensuring Europe’s security of supply. After all, times of crisis highlight just how important it is to maintain the capacity to manufacture essential products within Europe itself. LAT-Nitrogen is managing to remain sustainable and viable even under the current economic conditions, in order to fulfil this social responsibility. “Europe must ensure that it can continue to produce a certain percentage of the things society urgently needs to survive, even in the future,” Werner urges emphatically.

Synergies, mindset and fair conditions as key factors in Linz’s success

As the direct successor to the former Chemie Linz, LAT-Nitrogen has been based in the Linz Chemical Park for decades. The location on the Danube offers ideal conditions for production, as the main raw materials are water, natural gas and air. Also particularly noteworthy is the close cooperation with other companies in the chemical park, which creates economic benefits and synergies for all involved. The Linz site and the Upper Austria region are characterised by a business-friendly and industry-oriented mindset and expertise, which contribute significantly to the company’s success.

Looking to the future, Leonhard Werner emphasises the importance of fair political framework conditions. “Only if imported products also meet the same environmental and efficiency standards will competition remain fair and economic success be secured.” This should apply in particular to importers and imported goods originating from other EU countries.

In conclusion, the Managing Director reiterates what, in his view, makes the Linz site special. “The mindset of the people, the historical roots of the chemical park and the sense of community,” says Leonhard Werner.

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