HOUSTON, Texas, Dec. 8, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - Air Liquide Large Industries U.S. LP ("Air Liquide") hosted a groundbreaking ceremony today for a new Air Separation Unit (ASU) that will produce oxygen, nitrogen and argon at its production facility in Port Neches, Texas.
The new state-of-the-art ASU will produce 2,400 tons per day of oxygen and 2,600 tons per day of nitrogen, enabling Air Liquide to triple its production capacity of oxygen and double the production capacity of nitrogen of its Port Neches facility. The additional capacity from the new ASU will feed into Air Liquide's extensive Gulf Coast Pipeline System, which spans approximately 2,000 miles in Texas and Louisiana and supplies mainly oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen to customers in the chemicals, petrochemicals, refining and steel industries. The additional capacity will support increasing demand from large industry customers throughout the region and ensure greater reliability.
The new ASU is expected to begin commercial production by the end of 2015. To support the expansion Air Liquide will increase its workforce in Port Neches, hiring additional operators and technicians. Air Liquide commissioned the first production units at this facility – an ASU producing oxygen and nitrogen and a cogeneration unit producing electricity and steam – in 1994.
John Buckley, CEO, Air Liquide USA LLC commented: "This expansion affirms Air Liquide's investment commitment relative to our operations in Port Neches and throughout the Gulf Coast. We appreciate the continued support of our valued customers, local leaders and neighbors in the community as we continue to support business growth in the region and serve customers with excellence -- providing high-quality products in a safe and reliable manner."
Air Liquide in the U.S.
Air Liquide employs more than 5,000 people in the U.S. in over 200 locations. The company offers industrial and medical gases, technologies and related services to customers in energy, industrial, electronics and healthcare markets. http://www.us.airliquide.com
World leader in gases, technologies and services for Industry and Health, Air Liquide is present in 80 countries with more than 50,000 employees and serves more than 2 million customers and patients. Oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen have been at the core of the company's activities since its creation in 1902. Air Liquide's ambition is to be the leader in its industry, delivering long-term performance and acting responsibly.
Air Liquide ideas create value over the long term. At the core of the company's development are the commitment and constant inventiveness of its people.
Air Liquide anticipates the challenges of its markets, invests locally and globally, and delivers high-quality solutions to its customers and patients, and the scientific community.
The company relies on competitiveness in its operations, targeted investments in growing markets and innovation to deliver profitable growth over the long-term.
Air Liquide's revenues amounted to € 15.2 billion in 2013, and its solutions that protect life and the environment represented around 40% of sales. 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.
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Air Liquide Heather Browne +1 (713) 624-8021
