Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Oct 18: In a significant shift marking the end of a historic chapter, the iconic Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilisers (MCF) has been officially renamed as Paradeep Phosphates Ltd (PPL).
The name change came into effect on Friday, signalling a new phase of operations and large-scale investment at the Mangaluru unit.
Beginning October 31, the facility will operate under its new identity, with updated signage and branding expected to be unveiled at the Panambur premises. Company officials confirmed that the rebranding reflects a broader strategy to expand operations and strengthen production capacity in the coastal city.
Established in 1974, MCF held the distinction of being Karnataka’s largest fertiliser plant at the time and operated as a pioneering public sector enterprise. Over nearly five decades, it grew into a vital pillar of the agricultural supply chain, especially for farmers across Karnataka and neighbouring states.
The company produced a wide range of agrochemical products, including urea, di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), granulated and liquid fertilisers, soil conditioners, micronutrients, and speciality fertilisers. In addition, it manufactured food-grade ammonium bicarbonate and industrial chemicals such as sulphuric acid and sulphonated granulated fertilisers.
The MCF plant was also a trailblazer in infrastructure, becoming the first industrial unit in Mangaluru to be directly connected to the railway network. This logistical advantage enabled efficient nationwide distribution of fertilisers and played a key role in cementing the company’s market presence.
While the MCF name will now be consigned to memory, its legacy is set to continue under the Paradeep Phosphates banner. Industry analysts suggest that the transition marks not just a change in branding, but the beginning of a new growth trajectory for the Mangaluru unit, backed by fresh investment and modernisation.
As the facility prepares to enter its next phase, stakeholders are hopeful that the legacy of MCF as a farmer-friendly, industry-leading enterprise will endure—albeit under a new name.