The facility—located in Yancheng's industrial park—was operated by Tianjiayi Chemical (江苏天嘉宜化工有限公司), and was used to produce fertilizer[2] or pesticides.[3] Some sources reported that the plant produced organic chemicals, including some highly flammable compounds.[3] Tianjiayi Chemical had previously been penalized six times for infractions of pollution and waste management laws,[3] and China Daily reported fines over safety issues.[3]