Dépêches

Air Liquide Brings New ASU Online in Geismar, Louisiana

Dépèche transmise le 13 février 2012 par Business Wire

Air Liquide Brings New ASU Online in Geismar, Louisiana

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Air Liquide Large Industries U.S. LP today announced the start up of a new Air Separation Unit (ASU) at its facility in Geismar, La. to increase its supply of nitrogen, oxygen and argon to customers in a range of industries, including refining, natural gas, chemicals, metals, and many others.

The new production unit has increased the site’s production capacity, enabling Air Liquide to expand its customer base while further supporting industrial growth and economic development in Louisiana. In December 2011, Air Liquide announced its agreement to supply Nucor Steel’s new Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) facility in Convent.

Michael Graff, president and CEO of American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc., commented: “Air Liquide is very pleased to announce the expansion of our business in Louisiana, a state that prides itself on having one of the best business climates in the nation. Our new ASU in Geismar is a sound investment that will serve Air Liquide, our customers, and the people of Louisiana well into the future. Air Liquide is proud to be a driver of industrial growth and job creation throughout the region.”

The new ASU began commercial production in October 2011, producing high purity oxygen, nitrogen and argon for medical and industrial use. These products are delivered to customers via ground transportation and through Air Liquide’s extensive Mississippi River Pipeline system. Fourteen of the company’s air separation units are connected to the pipeline, supplying industrial gases to more than 30 customers along the Mississippi River.

The new ASU is one of three at Air Liquide’s facility in Geismar. The first ASU became operational in October of 1999, and the second in February of 2000. All three are currently operational. The Geismar complex also includes a Hydrogen Purification Unit (HPU), a Cogeneration plant that supplies approximately 80 percent of the electricity used to power the facility, and a transportation depot – Air Liquide’s largest in the U.S. in terms of output.

Air Liquide in the U.S.

Air Liquide companies in the U.S. employ about 5,000 employees in over 200 locations, and offer industrial gases, equipment and related services to customers in the large industries, industrial merchant, electronics and healthcare markets.

Air Liquide Large Industries U.S. LP serves large industry in the U.S. by offering gas and energy solutions to optimize process efficiencies and help meet environmental responsibilities. In the U.S., the Air Liquide Large Industries business serves the refining, natural gas, chemistry and metals industries. It operates an extensive 1,800 mile pipeline system along the Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River as well as providing its customers with on-site gas production capabilities.

Air Liquide is the world leader in gases for industry, health and the environment, and is present in 80 countries with 43,600 employees. Oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and rare gases have been at the core of Air Liquide’s activities since its creation in 1902. Using these molecules, Air Liquide continuously reinvents its business, anticipating the needs of current and future markets. The Group innovates to enable progress, to achieve dynamic growth and a consistent performance.

Innovative technologies that curb polluting emissions, lower industry’s energy use, recover and reuse natural resources or develop the energies of tomorrow, such as hydrogen, biofuels or photovoltaic energy… Oxygen for hospitals, homecare, fighting nosocomial infections… Air Liquide combines many products and technologies to develop valuable applications and services not only for its customers but also for society.

A partner for the long term, Air Liquide relies on employee commitment, customer trust and shareholder support to pursue its vision of sustainable, competitive growth. The diversity of Air Liquide’s teams, businesses, markets and geographic presence provides a solid and sustainable base for its development and strengthens its ability to push back its own limits, conquer new territories and build its future.

Air Liquide explores the best that air can offer to preserve life, staying true to its sustainable development approach. In 2010, the Group’s revenues amounted to €13.5 billion, of which almost 80% were generated outside France. Air Liquide is listed on the Paris Euronext stock exchange (compartment A) and is a member of the CAC 40 and Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 indexes.