Air Liquid: A €65 million additional investment in the Port of Rotterdam

Regulatory News:

Air Liquide (Paris:AI):

Rotterdam is the second largest chemical and petrochemical basin in Europe. This industry has maintained its momentum, despite the crisis, across Western Europe, with dynamic players demonstrating sustained demand for industrial gases. In this context, Air Liquide will invest an additional €65 million in the Rotterdam basin.

Air Liquide has recently signed a long-term contract with Huntsman, a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated chemicals. Under the terms of this agreement, Air Liquide will supply carbon monoxide to both of the MDI plants that Huntsman Polyurethanes operates in the Botlek area of the Port of Rotterdam.

Air Liquide will invest in a new carbon monoxide production unit in the Port of Rotterdam, to be located next to the company’s existing facilities. The plant, which will be commissioned in the first half of 2015, will double Air Liquide’s carbon monoxide production capacity in the basin. This additional carbon monoxide will also help meet new needs of Air Liquide’s customers in the Port.

The plant will be designed and built by Air Liquide’s Engineering and Construction teams, and will incorporate the Group’s latest technologies to ensure the highest levels of energy efficiency, reliability and safety.

Guy Salzgeber, Vice-President, North and Central Europe and a member of the Air Liquide Executive Committee, commented: "We thank Huntsman for its renewed trust in Air Liquide and for the long-term partnership we have been building together. Through this new investment, Air Liquide reinforces its position in the Port of Rotterdam through cutting edge technology and industrial integration. Air Liquide has already invested €400 million in new industrial production units over the last five years in this key industrial area, helping European industrial companies increase their competitiveness.”

Nick Webster, Vice President Huntsman Polyurethanes EAIME said: "Building on our long-term partnership with Air Liquide, we are delighted to host the new carbon monoxide plant at our Rotterdam facility. Investments like these are critical to maintaining competitiveness both now and in the future.”

MDI (Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate) is one of the initial components of polyurethane, which is used to manufacture high resilience foam seating, durable elastomeric wheels, high performance adhesives, etc.

Air Liquide in Benelux

Founded in Belgium in 1906 and in the Netherlands in 1913, Air Liquide currently operates 27 industrial sites all over Benelux. Its 1,100 employees serve more than 25,000 customers.

The Large Industries Business Line

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. 2011 revenues were €4,585 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 indexes.