Messer Americas will build a new air separation unit (ASU) in Delta, Ohio as part of a major investment to increase oxygen supply.
Announced today (23rd March), the new capacity is part of a signed agreement with North Star BlueScope Steel (NSBS) to increase supply of gaseous oxygen in village city.
The new ASU is expected to increase Delta’s oxygen supply by up to 700 tonnes-per-day.
Commenting on the news, Jens Luehring, President & CEO, Messer Americas, said, “Messer and NSBS have enjoyed a long-time relationship, and we are very pleased to partner with them as a strategic enabler of their US expansion,”
“This investment underscores Messer’s commitment to expanding our On-site business in the US, while strategically growing our US merchant business.”
NSBS is a premier producer of hot-rolled coil for use in the automotive, construction, energy, and manufacturing industries.
The company has embarked on a $700m expansion plan to increase its steel production from approximately 2.4 million short tonnes per year by adding 950,000 short tonnes annually.
“When considering options for our industrial gas needs, Messer was the best option for us,” said Pat Finan BlueScope Chief Executive Hot Rolled Products North America.
“We are pleased to build upon our existing relationship with Messer as we progress with the expansion plans of our world class steel making facility in Delta, Ohio.”
In addition to supplying NSBS, Messer’s new ASU will increase the company’s own liquid capacity in Delta, supporting growth and supply reliability for merchant customers in the growing Midwestern market.
