Nextchem (MAIRE) awarded Licensing and Process Design Package for a new urea to DEF plant in Virginia, USA, leveraging its proprietary NX STAMI™ urea and Diesel Exhaust Fluid technologies
PRESS RELEASE- The project is a fully integrated configuration, combining Nextchem’s proprietary NX STAMI™ Urea and Diesel Exhaust Fluid technologies
- The award is proof of the versatility of Nextchem’s nitrogen technologies for both the fertilizer and mobility sectors
Milan, 07 May 2026 – MAIRE (MAIRE.MI) announces that Nextchem, through its nitrogen technology licensor Stamicarbon, has been awarded a Licensing and Process Design Package (PDP) contract by AdvanSix (NYSE: ASIX), a U.S.-based integrated chemistry company, for a new urea-to-Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) plant in Hopewell, Virginia (USA), based on Nextchem’s proprietary technologies.
The project scope includes a 700 short tons per day (STPD) nameplate urea melt plant based on the NX STAMI™ Urea technology, fully integrated with a DEF production designed to convert 100% of the urea melt into DEF. This configuration represents an innovative application for Stamicarbon, marking the first project in which all urea melt production may be dedicated exclusively to DEF.
The contract is subject to a Final Investment Decision and a Notice to Proceed, which are expected in the first half of 2027.
The award reflects the increasing demand for DEF, driven by stricter emission standards, and the continued adoption of advanced after-treatment systems in transportation. The project demonstrates how Nextchem’s nitrogen technologies are also enabling solutions that support cleaner and more efficient mobility.
Fabio Fritelli, Managing Director of Nextchem, commented: “This award confirms the strength and versatility of our nitrogen technology portfolio, which is increasingly finding applications beyond traditional fertilizer utilizations. By leveraging our proprietary NX STAMI™ Urea technology, we are proud to support the development of emission reduction solutions for the mobility sector such as DEF, while further strengthening Nextchem’s presence in North America.”
Erin Kane, President and CEO of AdvanSix, commented: “As a U.S. manufacturer, AdvanSix is uniquely situated to enable reliable, domestic supply to meet growing demand in a market currently served by production from other regions and imports. Our integrated ammonia platform provides us with the core capability to build a new, differentiated, high-value offering to meet market demands in the DEF value chain.”