Press Releases
• Linde to invest over EUR 120 million in Wu’an, Hebei
• Investment includes acquisition of customer’s existing gases production assets, and construction of new 30,000 Nm3/h air separation unit
• Ramp up in availability of liquid products for neighbouring industrial hubs
Wu’an, HEBEI, CHINA, 29 November 2011 – Linde Greater China, a member of The Linde Group, will invest more than EUR 120 million to acquire, upgrade and operate the gas production facility of iron and steel manufacturer, Hebei Puyang Iron and Steel Ltd., in Wu’an, Hebei province.
Linde will take over seven existing air separation units (ASU) and a network of pipelines. Linde will upgrade the existing facilities and install its latest technologies.
These will include the construction of a new ASU by Linde’s Engineering Division at the site. The new 30,000 Nm3/h ASU, when on stream in 2014, will replace less efficient units and serve additional gas demand to Puyang Iron and Steel. The new ASU will significantly increase the reliability performance of the gases facility and supply the steelworks with a more energy-efficient flow of gaseous oxygen.
Linde’s gases production facility will in addition produce a range of liquid products that will supply the open market in neighbouring industrial hubs.
"This is an exciting development for the expansion of our gases infrastructure in the North of China, and Linde is proud to contribute to China’s national agenda of technological upgrades in its pillar industries aimed at improving energy and environmental performance. This latest win is proof of how Linde’s leading gases and engineering technologies are valued in a rapid growth region,” said Steven Fang, Head of Region Greater China, The Linde Group.
Hebei Puyang Iron and Steel Co. Ltd. is a privately owned company that produces around six million tonnes per annum carbon steel in Wu’an. Puyang Steel produces plate, hot rolled coil, strip, tube and wire rod for the construction, manufacturing and ship building industries. The company is today the largest steel company with the most cutting edge equipment in Wu’an region. It is ranked among the top 500 companies in China, and top 500 companies in China’s manufacturing industry.
The Linde Group
The Linde Group is a world-leading gases and engineering company with around 50,000 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. In the 2010 financial year, it achieved sales of EUR 12.868 bn. The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards sustainable earnings-based growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment – in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. Linde is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.
In the Greater China region, Linde has close to 4,000 employees working in around 50 subsidiaries and joint ventures, and 150 operational plants in major industrial hubs across the region. Linde Greater China is headquartered in Shanghai.
For more information, visit Linde at www.linde.com.cn