Bunge closes Campana plant in Argentina, affecting 110 workers

Agribusiness multinational Bunge has announced the sudden closure of its industrial plant in Campana, Buenos Aires province, ending the production of ammonia and ammonium thiosulfate. The facility, which has operated for over 50 years, was used to manufacture key inputs for the fertilizer industry.

The decision directly impacts approximately 110 to 137 employees, though labor unions estimate the total number of affected jobs could reach 250 when including contractors and service providers. The closure occurred while the plant was undergoing a scheduled maintenance period that was reportedly 90% complete.

Bunge cited infrastructure and technological limitations, changing market conditions, and difficulties in raw material supply as primary reasons for the shutdown. The company noted that the decision follows an evaluation of operational and commercial alternatives. The plant operated as a joint venture with the Asociación de Cooperativas Argentinas (ACA), which held a 17.5% stake.

Labor unions have expressed strong opposition, claiming the closure was unexpected and alleging that the company may be prioritizing imported fertilizers over local production. The union has filed complaints with the Ministry of Labor and called for protests to seek the plant's reopening.