Air Liquide sets up in Turkey

Turkey is currently undergoing very dynamic development; the Turkish economy saw growth of more than 10% in the first half of 2010. High technology and energy sectors have seen accelerated growth for a number of years.

In this context, Air Liquide is investing in a liquid oxygen and nitrogen production unit, with a production capacity of 200 tonnes per day, and in a cylinder conditioning unit. The total investment for the production installations and the supply chain for this project amounts to around € 35 million.

These new production facilities, installed in the Ankara region, will be used to supply this region as well as the Central Anatolia market, an industrial basin with strong growth where numerous leading-edge industries are located.

Air Liquide has also signed an agreement with the University of ODTÜ (Technological University of the Middle East) for its photovoltaic research laboratory (GÜNAM). Air Liquide supplies the University with specialty and ultra pure gases as well as specialty gas distribution systems for the production of solar cells.

Augustin de Roubin, Vice-President Southern and Eastern Europe, and member of the Executive Committee, commented: "The decision to invest in this first production plant in Turkey demonstrates our commitment to this strong-growth economy. We would like to thank the Turkish authorities and the development agency "Invest in Turkey" for their support in this project. Developing economies are a growth driver for the Air Liquide Group."