India: new developments in the west of the country

With GDP growth of around 8.5%, the Indian economy expanded significantly in 2010, driven by robust domestic demand. To accompany this development, Air Liquide is announcing new developments in the west of the country, in Gujarat and Maharashtra. The total investment for the new facilities and the supply chain amounts to more than €40 million.

Air Liquide has commissioned a new state-of-the-art Air Separation Unit (ASU) to produce gaseous nitrogen for the new float glass plant of Sezal Glass Ltd. in Jhagadia, in Gujarat (investment announced in January 2010). In addition, another facility produces hydrogen by water electrolysis to meet float glass production requirements. The Indian glass industry is experiencing high growth, driven by huge investments in urban infrastructure projects. The photovoltaic and automobile sectors also support the booming glass industry. Currently, almost 80% of the glass manufactured in India is consumed by the domestic market.

Air Liquide also invested in a new unit producing nitrogen for the new carbon fiber plant of Kemrock Industries & Exports Ltd., a leader in reinforced polymer composite in India. This unit, which has just started production in 2010, is based near Vadodara, also in Gujarat. Aerospace, wind energy, compressed natural gas and construction are the main markets driving the growth of carbon fiber.

Additionally, Air Liquide will invest in an Air Separation Unit and cylinder filling station in Pune, in Maharashtra. When commissioned in 2012, the ASU will produce over 200 tonnes per day of liquid nitrogen and oxygen dedicated to the industrial and medical markets. Pune is emerging as a prominent location for manufacturing and IT companies. It is one of the major auto manufacturing hubs of India, and a large number of engineering, electronic and electrical industries have been set up there.

Jean Marc de Royere, Senior Vice-President Asia-Pacific and a member of the Air Liquide Executive Committee, said: “We want to thank our new customers for their trust. These new developments in West India represent a new step for the Air Liquide Group in this dynamic country, where we intend to further develop our position in the coming years. Developing economies are a growth driver of the Group.”