Air Products has signed a long-term contract to supply oxygen, nitrogen and argon to ArcelorMittal Belgium NV, a subsidiary of ArcelorMittal SA, at its steel mill in Gent, Belgium.
In support of the agreement, Air Products will build a third on-site air separation unit at ArcelorMittal’s Gent site.
"This investment is based on the need of industrial gases first of all to replace the capacity of ASU1, which will be closed in Terneuzen, and gives ArcelorMittal Gent increased flexibility -- volume, focusing on iron ore or scrap route -- and the possibility to grow," said Marc Vereecke, CEO at ArcelorMittal Gent.
“The two existing Air Products air separation units at the Gent site will continue supplying ArcelorMittal with their current oxygen, nitrogen and argon requirements at their existing operations.”
The new air separation unit, which will be owned and operated by Air Products, will have a total production capacity of approximately 2000 tons per day. The unit’s capacity represents excess liquefied industrial gases that Air Products can sell to the European market.
"Delivering growth and productivity for ourselves and our customers is an important part of our strategy," said Howard Castle-Smith, Vice President of Tonnage Gases, Air Products Europe and Middle East. "Air Products has been supplying ArcelorMittal at its Gent facility -- originally named Sidmar -- for more than 40 years, and we are delighted to support their continued growth in steel production. This long-term contract demonstrates that our leading technologies and cost-effective mode of supply offer the right solutions for our customers' increasing requirements."
The new Gent air separation unit is scheduled to come on-stream in 2012.
Air Products serves customers in a wide range of international markets with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products had revenues of $8.3 billion in fiscal 2009, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,900 employees around the globe.
ArcelorMittal is the world's largest steel company, with operations in more than 60 countries. The company is a leader in major global steel markets, including automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging, with leading R&D and technology, as well as sizeable captive supplies of raw materials and outstanding distribution networks. With an industrial presence in over 20 countries spanning four continents, the Company covers key steel markets, from emerging to mature.
In 2009, ArcelorMittal had revenues of $65.1 billion and crude steel production of 73.2 million tonnes, representing approximately 8 per cent of world steel output.
ArcelorMittal Gent is one of the prime maritime integrated flat carbon steel sites in Europe with a steel output capacity of 5.2 million tonnes from two Blast Furnaces, two BOF Converters, Hot and Cold Strip Rolling Mills and Annealing and Galvanizing units. The output from the steel plant of thin hot and/or cold reduced sheet and medium and heavy plate is typically used in car bodies for the automotive industry, household appliances, metal furniture, sanitary goods, tubes and receptacles.