Nitrastur, a symbol of Asturian industry
Discover Nitrastur's industrial legacy and its significance in Asturias
Explore the history of the Nitrastur factory, a symbol of Asturian industrial heritage. Founded in 1923, this historic facility played an important role in ammonia and sulphate production and in the region's development. We look back on its legacy and its contribution to the region's industrial progress.
Where is it?
The Nitrastur site is situated in the municipality of Langreo in Asturias, forming part of a large industrial complex. The map below shows the exact location of the site.
The geographical coordinates are 43°18′49.3″N, 5°42′13.7″W.”
A journey through Nitrastur's history
1923 – The company established a plant dedicated to the production of synthetic ammonia and sulphates in the Vega neighbourhood of La Felguera (Langreo).
The chemical plant sat alongside the infrastructure of La Felguera factory, with the aim of utilising the waste generated by the coke ovens for the manufacture of ammonium nitrate.
1940s – The Nitrogen Plan began to boost domestic production.
The synthesis of chemical fertilisers was essential for the country's agricultural development following the Civil War and during Spain’s period of economic autarky. This led to increased crop yields, prompting plans to extend the facilities into a new area to accommodate the factory's growth.
1950 – Under the direction of engineer Carlos Fernández Casado, construction began on a new complex larger than the previous one.
The company, known as Sociedad Ibérica del Nitrógeno and later Nitratos Asturianos (Nitrastur), was situated near the River Nalón, also in La Felguera, towards Barros, while the previous facilities were abandoned.
1997 – This marked the end of an era for the chemical industry in the region: Nitrastur closed its doors.
The factory became one of the most important in the sector and continued to operate for several decades, including several years under the management of Explosivos Río Tinto.
Original layout of Nitrastur
Originally, the complex had a highly organised floor plan tailored to the needs of each section and to production requirements.
It comprised several buildings, including accommodation for engineers (partially demolished), a gatehouse and residential blocks (still standing but in poor condition), catalyst workshops, a vehicle canopy and sulphate and nitrate workshops. Some facilities, such as the mechanical workshop, gasometer, synthesis workshop, general warehouses, power station, oleum workshop and pyrite yard, as well as the gas purification building, gas generators and storage tanks, have disappeared or been partially demolished.
The buildings
Following the closure of the factory in 1997, the buildings have gradually fallen into disrepair, been demolished or disappeared altogether. Among those that remain partially intact are the nitrate and sulphate workshops, where the synthesised products were stored.
Nitrate hall
This rectangular building, covering more than 7,000 square meters, was used as a warehouse for nitrate salts. Its reinforced concrete structure maximised storage capacity without compromising stability. The structure comprised columns embedded in concrete blocks and parabolic reinforced concrete arches, designed to maximise storage capacity without compromising stability.
Sulphate warehouse
This building, slightly smaller than the nitrates building and with a similar structure, served as a storage facility for the sulphates produced in the workshop. It was fitted with overhead cranes, which dictated its structural design featuring longitudinal frames. Its canopy was notable for its structure of cylindrical slats and a 6 metres overhang, which adds a distinctive architectural feature.
Explore the production halls in 3D
Take a tour of the 3D recreations of the sulphate and nitrate production halls and observe their architectural details.
