FACT - Cochin Division Ambalamedu

The Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd Cochin Division (FACT CD), is a public enterprise under the central government of India, situated in the village of ambalamugal, kochi and is the second manufacturing division of FACT.

It is located near the border of the former states of Travancore and Cochin. FACT, then under its illustrious chairman and managing director, M.K.K. Nair, acquired about 1500 acres (6 km²) of land in the mid-1960s for the construction of an ammonia and urea manufacturing plants. Construction of the factory and the township commenced in 1966 under the able supervision of Chief Engineer Ranganathan. The native population that held agricultural land in the area were rehabilitated outside the township.

The factory complex now has two phases. Phase 1 comprising of the ammonia and urea plants are currently under shutdown after a boiler explosion. Phase II consists of three plants namely, Sulphuric acid plant, Phosphoric acid plant and NP plant. The factory site is well connected by rail, road and waterways which facilitate easy movement of raw materials and products.

To meet the high demand of water in manufacturing fertilizers, over 250 acres of paddy fields were converted into a reservoir by constructing an earthen dam. At the centre of the reservoir is an island housing the Ambalamedu guest house, an exquisite building complex that blends the traditional Kerala and modern architecture. Along the shores of the lake are houses built to serve as residential quarters’ for the employees. The township is thus a very rare example of a planned industrial township that is designed in the most aesthetic manner accentuating the beauty and ambience of nature surrounding it.

Initiated by Mr MKK Nair, a new post office Ambalamedu was exclusively sanctioned for FACT. MKK Nair further founded numerous institutions promoting kerala arts and culture under the FACT banner.

FACT is neighboured by the petroleum behemoth Kochin Refineries and HOCL.

In short, the township is truly a tranquil paradise that so marvellously masks the grime and smoke of the industrial complex around it.