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Air Products to Build New Air Separation Unit, Liquefier at Lake Erie Works

05/21/2008 - Air Products Canada signs a new long-term supply contract with U. S. Steel Canada for its Lake Erie Works that includes provision for construction of a new air separation unit with a high-efficiency liquefier facility.

Air Products Canada, Ltd. has signed a new long-term supply contract with U. S. Steel Canada, Inc., for its Lake Erie Works in Nanticoke, Ont., Canada (formerly a Stelco facility). The new agreement includes provision for Air Products to build a new air separation unit with a high-efficiency liquefier facility.
 
In addition to expanding Air Products' oxygen and nitrogen supply to the steel mill, the new facility also represents increased merchant liquid argon capacity, as well as a more efficient production of merchant liquid oxygen and nitrogen for Air Products' operation at its Nanticoke facility. It is scheduled to be on-stream in the fourth quarter of 2009.
 
“We have been supplying the Lake Erie facility's tonnage industrial gas requirements with our original Nanticoke air separation plant since 1980,” said Alex Masetti, Vice President—Tonnage Gases North America for Air Products. “This latest investment by Air Products keeps pace with Lake Erie's increased demand for industrial gases and represents another milestone in our long-term relationship. At the same time, the new liquefier will increase our supply capacity and improve our market position in the Eastern Canada and Northeastern U.S. markets for liquid products.”
 
The new air separation unit will supply over 1200 tons per day of gaseous oxygen for U. S. Steel's operations. The new high-efficiency liquefier will produce over 500 tons per day of liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen, and increase pure liquid argon production capacity for North American customers in several market applications. The larger and more efficient facility will replace the original Air Products' plant at the same location.
 
Air Products serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in a number of key growth markets, and is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. Air Products has annual revenues of $10 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 22,000 employees around the globe.
 
U. S. Steel Canada’s Lake Erie Works is an integrated market mill focused on the production and sale of high-quality hot rolled sheet. Principal markets for hot rolled sheet products in North America include the automotive sector, steel service centers, and pipe and tubular product manufacturers. U. S. Steel Canada Lake Erie Works, situated on 4,100 acres in Nanticoke, Ont., on the north shore of Lake Erie, is a fully integrated steelmaking facility. It was acquired by U. S. Steel in 2007 and is the most recent greenfield integrated steel complex to be built in North America.