LA: Air Liquide to Invest $170M in St. James Parish Facility

Air Liquide announces that it has been selected by Chinese petrochemical company Yuhuang Chemical, Inc. as the supplier of oxygen for its new world-scale methanol manufacturing complex to be built in St. James Parish, Louisiana. Air Liquide will invest around $170 million USD (around $140 million euros)* in this high growth area for the chemical industry.

The new Yuhuang Chemical methanol manufacturing complex will produce approximately 5,000 tonnes of methanol per day, making it one of the largest methanol production facilities in the U.S. based on capacity.

Air Liquide has entered into a new long-term agreement to supply Yuhuang Chemical with 2,400 tonnes of oxygen per day. Air Liquide will build a new, state-of-the-art, energy efficient Air Separation Unit (ASU) producing oxygen, nitrogen and argon. Connected to Air Liquide's extensive pipeline system in Louisiana, providing enhanced reliability of supply, the ASU is expected to be commissioned by the second half of 2017.

Air Liquide, via its Global Engineering & Construction activity, also recently signed a contract to license its leading MegaMethanol® process technology to Yuhuang Chemical. The MegaMethanol® Technology which converts natural gas to methanol is part of Air Liquide's proprietary technology portfolio.

In providing a stable long-term oxygen supply and proprietary natural gas-to-methanol conversion technology, the Air Liquide group further demonstrates its leading position in offering an integrated value proposition for large-scale methanol production.

Charlie Yao, Chief Executive Officer of Yuhuang Chemical, Inc., commented: "Our new agreement with Air Liquide for our first world-scale methanol unit in the U.S. will be integral in supporting our ambition of becoming a global player in the petrochemical industry."

Michael J. Graff, Senior Vice-President for the Americas and member of Air Liquide group's Executive Committee, commented: "Air Liquide is pleased to enter into this new collaboration with Yuhuang Chemical to supply their oxygen needs in the US Gulf Coast. The sustainable value we create through our safe, reliable and high-quality technology solutions supports them as they broaden their business in the US and abroad."

*Investment decision taken end of 2014 and converted at year-end exchange rate.

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

The Large Industries business line of Air Liquide offers gas and energy solutions that improve process efficiency and help achieve greater respect for the environment, mainly in the refining and natural gas, chemicals, metals and energy markets. In 2013, revenues were €4,940 million.

The Engineering and Construction activity (Global E&C Solutions) 

The Engineering and Construction activity (Global E&C Solutions) builds the Group's production units – mainly air separation units (ASUs) and hydrogen production units – and provides plants for third-party clients.

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.