Airgas, Inc. (Radnor, Pa.; www.airgas.com) has announced that it has signed a longterm agreement to build an air-separation unit (ASU) to supply tonnage oxygen, nitrogen and argon via pipeline to Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc., a subsidiary of Nucor Corporation, at its steel manufacturing plant in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
“We’re excited about our new partnership with Nucor and look forward to serving its gas needs in Tuscaloosa with our new, state-of-the-art atmospheric gas production facility,” said Airgas president and chief executive officer Michael L. Molinini.
Airgas’ new large-scale ASU will be constructed adjacent to the existing Nucor facility and is expected to be onstream in the spring of 2017. The ASU will also produce oxygen, nitrogen, and argon to support the region’s merchant bulk gas market.
“The new plant will be operated by Airgas Merchant Gases, which manages Airgas’ network of ASUs, sourcing options for all major gases, and bulk gas distribution logistics,” said Thomas S. Thoman, Airgas division president – Gases Production. “Our investment in new production capabilities in Tuscaloosa will provide supply security to Nucor and strengthen our gas supply chain to ensure long-term reliability for our packaged and merchant gas customers throughout the region.”