Air Liquide Brings New Nitrogen Liquefier Online in Cleburne, Texas

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP (“Air Liquide”) today announced it has commissioned a new nitrogen liquefier at its air separation plant in Cleburne, Texas to further support growth in the Texas and Oklahoma industrial gas markets.

“We are very pleased to announce the start-up of our new nitrogen liquefier in Cleburne”

The liquefier, the second of two now in operation at the Cleburne facility, has recently begun commercial production. The increased capacity will enable Air Liquide to increase its supply of liquid nitrogen to customers in a range of industries, including food & beverage, manufacturing, glass, electronics, oil and gas, and chemicals.

To support the increased production capacity, Air Liquide plans to increase its workforce in Cleburne by one-third over a two-year period, hiring as many as 21 permanent employees, including production technicians and truck drivers. Additionally, the construction of the new liquefier created 80 construction jobs.

“We are very pleased to announce the start-up of our new nitrogen liquefier in Cleburne,” said Mark Lostak, president of Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP. “This facility expansion enables us to meet the growing demands of the industrial gas market in this region, while also supporting job creation and economic growth in the City of Cleburne and Johnson County. We are proud to be a member of this community, and we look forward to strengthening our presence here in a safe and sustainable way.”

Air Liquide’s air separation facility in Cleburne has been operational since January of 1998, producing oxygen, nitrogen and argon for a multitude of industries.

Air Liquide in the U.S.

Air Liquide companies in the U.S. employ about 5,000 employees in over 200 locations, and offers industrial gases, equipment and related services.

Industrial Merchant activities of Air Liquide

The Industrial Merchant business line manages the production and distribution of gases in bulk and cylinders, and provides customers with the applications and services required for their implementation. Its customers range from tradesmen to major businesses and use industrial gases in 5 key sectors: food and pharmaceuticals, automobile and manufacturing, crafts and distribution, materials and energy, and technology and research. For 2011, the Industrial Merchant business line generated revenue of €4,892 million.

Air Liquide is the world leader in gases for industry, health and the environment, and is present in 80 countries with 46,200 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, home healthcare, 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 Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainable development approach. In 2011, the Group’s revenues amounted to €14.5 billion, of which more than 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 index.