Air Liquide has just signed a long-term contract with BASF to supply carbon monoxide to its MDI production unit located in Antwerp, Belgium. MDI (Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate) is one of the initial components of polyurethane, which is used to manufacture high resilience foam seating, durable elastomeric wheels, high performance adhesives, etc. The chemicals industry has maintained its position in Western Europe’s major industrial basins, buoyed by dynamic players with significant industrial gas needs. The Antwerp basin is the largest chemical and petro-chemical basin in Europe.
Air Liquide will invest in a new carbon monoxide production unit located next to its existing facilities.
This unit, which is scheduled to be up and running in the first quarter of 2015, will double Air Liquide’s carbon monoxide production capacity in this basin. The overall investment will amount to around EUR 50M. This unit will be designed and built by Air Liquide Engineering and Construction
teams, using state-of-the-art technologies that offer energy efficiency as well as optimal performance and safety.
Guy Salzgeber, Vice-President, Western Europe and a member of the Air Liquide Executive Committee, commented: “Understanding the needs and constraints of our customers allows us to provide them with cutting-edge technology solutions. Through its investments, Air Liquide supports the development and competitiveness of European manufacturers.”