Ballestra S.p.A. is an Italian engineering company founded in 1960 and headquartered in Milan. It specializes in the design, engineering, and supply of proprietary technologies, processing plants, and equipment for the chemical industry, with a focus on detergents, surfactants, soaps, oleochemicals, and inorganic chemicals such as sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and fertilizers.
The Ballestra Group includes subsidiaries like Buss ChemTech AG in Switzerland, experts in gas-liquid reactions and fluorine chemicals, and Ballestra Engineering and Projects Pvt. Ltd. in India. It has delivered over 6,400 plants worldwide across more than 120 countries, serving chemical producers and FMCG companies through brands like Mazzoni LB.
In December 2025, NextChem (a MAIRE subsidiary) signed a binding agreement to acquire 100% of Ballestra Group, with completion expected in Q2 2026, enhancing capabilities in specialty chemicals, fertilizers, and sustainable technologies.
Also known as Ballestra Group and Desmet Ballestra S.p.A..
chemXplore tracks 2 projects involving Ballestra.
Ballestra's role on them: Technology licensor and Technology / equipment supplier.
Revenues +6.9% to €3.68bn; EBITDA +14.7% to €266.2m; H1 order intake €7.2bn, backlog €16.3bn; Nextchem buys Ballestra and 70% of ETEK.
Adds full NPK fertilizer technologies, fluorine and oleochemistry capabilities; integrates ~460 staff, pilot plants and a €270m backlog; transaction paid at €148.2m.
Q1: Net income €76.7m (+19.9%); adjusted net cash €396.1m; order intake €4.78bn; backlog €15.73bn; Nextchem revenue +46%; record dividend €0.585/share
