Chile: major investment in Santiago region

The Chilean economy is one of the most dynamic in Latin America. The country has enjoyed steady growth over the last 10 years.

The Global Competitiveness Report for 2009-2010, a yearly report published by the World Economic Forum, ranks Chile as being the 30^th most competitive country in the world and a key country in Latin America. Its political stability, natural resources and skilled workforce have attracted foreign investors. The market growth is driven by investment in the mining industry, an export-driven food industry and increasing requirements for environment protection and the health and well-being of its citizens.

In this context, Air Liquide has decided to invest in a new air gases plant in the Santiago region, close to Chile’s main markets. This plant, representing an investment of approximately €25 million (35 million USD), will have a production capacity of nearly 150 tonnes per day of liquid oxygen, nitrogen and argon and allow Air Liquide to meet the growing needs for liquid and cylinder gases of the Industrial Merchant and Healthcare markets in the Central and Southern regions of Chile.

The new unit will be commissioned mid-2013. This plant will significantly enhance Air Liquide’s supply chain in the region and will offer customers greater flexibility, cost competiveness and reliability.

Michael J. Graff, President and CEO, American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. and a member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee, commented: “We are very pleased to announce this investment in the Santiago region, representing Air Liquide‘s confidence in the Chilean economy, and our ability to meet the growing and more sophisticated needs of customers and patients in the region. Developing economies are a growth driver for Air Liquide.”