Air Liquide has signed new agreements with Altos Hornos de México (AHMSA) for the acquisition of a gas separation unit and a new investment of over US$61 million for the construction and operation of a second unit.
The two units are installed in AHMSA facilities in Monclova, Coahuila state, which will allow Air Liquide to continue to develop "rapidly" in the country, according to a statement from the company.
The new agreements represent a continuation of the opening last spring by Air Liquide of another unit in the center of AHMSA. The total production capacity of the four units (three in Monclova and one in Pesquería, Nuevo León state) reaches about 3,000 metric tons of oxygen and 100 metric tons of argon per day.
The three units located in AHMSA Monclova supply oxygen, nitrogen and argon, and expand the supply of Air Liquide in the region to other sectors and clients to metal fabrication, oil and gas, automotive, glass, food and agriculture or health.
With these new investments, Air Liquide will spend about US$271 million total in Mexico before the end of the year since it began its activities in the country in 2011.