Air Liquide Announces Expansion in California

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP (“Air Liquide”) today announces a new carbon dioxide liquefaction plant in the California central valley. The plant joins Air Liquide’s five other industrial gas liquefaction plants in California.

“Today’s announcements signify Air Liquide’s continued commitment to growth in California and, most importantly, high quality products and service to customers throughout the region.”

The new 450-ton facility, located in Tulare County, will capture carbon dioxide gases from an ethanol plant owned by Calgren Renewable Fuels, LLC. The carbon dioxide recovered will then be purified and liquefied by Air Liquide to meet beverage grade specifications for the diverse food, beverage and manufacturing industries in the region. The facility will serve Air Liquide customers in the central valley and the Los Angeles basin, and is slated to be operational by the end of this year.

Air Liquide also announces the expansion of its Wilmington, Calif., carbon dioxide plant. The expansion will increase plant capacity and storage and improve service to the southern California market, whose demand is largely driven by growth in the food and beverage industry. The Wilmington plant is one of seven U.S. Air Liquide carbon dioxide liquefaction facilities that have received the Food Safety System Certification 22000 (“FSSC 22000”), an internationally-recognized standard for food safety systems.

Said Mark Lostak, president of Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP: “Today’s announcements signify Air Liquide’s continued commitment to growth in California and, most importantly, high quality products and service to customers throughout the region.”

Liquid carbon dioxide provides manufacturers the benefit of quickly freezing and preserving their products. It also helps maintain safe temperatures that improve quality in certain manufacturing processes.

Six other Air Liquide carbon dioxide liquefaction plants in the U.S. have also received the FSSC 22000. Those plants are located in: Delaware City, Del.; Martinez, Calif.; Sioux City, Iowa; Wood River, Ill.; Washington, Ind.; and Donaldsonville, La. Air Liquide will also pursue certification for the newly announced Tulare County facility.

Air Liquide is the world leader in gases for industry, health and the environment, and is present in 80 countries with close to 50,000 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 for the good of society while delivering growth and 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 2012, the Group’s revenues amounted to € 15.3 billion of which 82% 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.

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 to customers in the large industries, industrial merchant, electronics and healthcare markets.

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.