New acquisition and investment in Northern Mexico

Air Liquide continues its rapid growth in Northern Mexico, and today announces new agreements with Altos Hornos de Mexico (AHMSA) for the acquisition of an Air Separation Unit (ASU) and a new investment of more than €45 million (approximately 60 million USD) for Air Liquide’s construction and operation of another ASU, both located on AHMSA’s Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico site.

AHMSA, one of Mexico’s largest steel producers, is a fully integrated steel company whose production ranges from raw materials to finished higher value added products. These new agreements follow Air Liquide’s recent inauguration this spring of another ASU on the same site in Monclova, Coahuila, located approximately 200 kilometers northwest of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

The total production capacity of Air Liquide Mexico’s 4 ASUs (3 in Monclova, Coahuila and 1 in Pesqueria, Nuevo Leon, Mexico) will reach approximately 3,000 tonnes of oxygen and more than 100 tonnes of argon per day. This will establish Air Liquide as a major source of oxygen in the North of Mexico and the major source of argon in the country.

The three ASUs in Monclova, Coahuila will provide oxygen, nitrogen and argon for AHMSA, while strengthening Air Liquide’s supply to other industries and customers in the region, including metal fabrication, oil and gas, automotive, glass, food and beverage, as well as healthcare sectors.

With these new investments, Air Liquide will have invested nearly €200 million (approximately 250 million USD) in Mexico by the end of this year, since its entry in the country in 2011, establishing its leading market position in the northern region, as well as its presence and market potential throughout the other regions of the country.

Michael Graff, Senior Vice-President Americas and a member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee commented: “We appreciate AHMSA’s confidence and trust in our ability to continue to deliver safe and reliable products to help drive growth and prosperity for industry and citizens throughout Mexico. As the Group remains focused on leading market positions in high potential markets, Mexico and the developing economies of the surrounding region are strategic growth areas for Air Liquide.”