Air Liquide inaugurates new nitrogen liquefaction facility in Dawson Creek, BC

10/30/2012

Air Liquide Canada today inaugurated its new Air Separation Unit (ASU) in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. The new plant, once both phases are completed, will supply an excess of 450 tonnes per day of liquid nitrogen in order to meet the increasing demand of its industrial customers, particularly those in the oil and gas sector, in Northeastern British Columbia and Alberta. The new facility represents a significant investment in British Columbia of approximately $60 million.

Adam Peters, Air Liquide Canada President and CEO, commented: "The decision to invest in a new production facility in Northeastern British Columbia further demonstrates Air Liquide’s commitment to its growth strategy and development opportunities in Canada, and affirms our leadership stance and ability to meet rising customer needs in the oil and gas sector."

In Canada, Air Liquide supplies nitrogen and carbon dioxide to oil and gas producers to support drilling operations and increase the oil and/or natural gas recovery rate. Using nitrogen, a naturally-occurring element, in drilling operations can help notably decrease water consumption of the drilling operations.

The new facility currently employs three full-time operators as well as drivers, for a total of 10 permanent jobs. Phase one is now operational and the second phase will be operational in 2013.

The inauguration ceremony, which took place at Air Liquide Canada’s ASU at # 2608-92 Avenue (New Subdivision) in Dawson Creek, was attended by local, provincial and national dignitaries including: Minister Moira Stilwell, His Worship, Mike Bernier, Mayor of Dawson Creek; Peace River MLA, Blair Lekstrom; Adam Peters, Air Liquide Canada President and CEO and Pierre Drolet, Vice President. City Councilors Sue Kenny, Cheryl Shuman, Duncan Malkinson, Charlie Parslow, Terry McFadyen and Shaely Wilbur, Air Liquide Canada employees, customers and suppliers also joined in celebrating the inauguration of the nitrogen liquefaction facility.

Nitrogen
Nitrogen is mainly found in the atmosphere, where it accounts for 78%, by volume, of the air we breathe. Nitrogen is used to optimize our customers’ production processes, enhance safety and improve product quality.

Air Liquide in Canada
Founded in 1911, Air Liquide Canada has over 2,200 employees and serves over 80,000 customers in Canada’s aeronautics, automobile, agri-food, chemical, defence, electronics, energy, metallurgy, metal fabrication, mining and healthcare industries from sites located in key industrial regions from coast to coast.

Air Liquide is the world leader in gases for industry, health and the environment, and is present in 80 countries with 46,200 employees. Oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and rare gases have been at the core of Air Liquide’s activities since its creation in 1902. Using these molecules, Air Liquide continuously reinvents its business, anticipating the needs of current and future markets. The Group innovates to enable progress, to achieve dynamic growth and a consistent performance.

Innovative technologies that curb polluting emissions, lower industry’s energy use, recover and reuse natural resources or develop the energies of tomorrow, such as hydrogen, biofuels or photovoltaic energy… Oxygen for hospitals, home healthcare, fighting nosocomial infections… Air Liquide combines many products and technologies to develop valuable applications and services not only for its customers but also for society.

A partner for the long term, Air Liquide relies on employee commitment, customer trust and shareholder support to pursue its vision of sustainable, competitive growth. The diversity of Air Liquide’s teams, businesses, markets and geographic presence provides a solid and sustainable base for its development and strengthens its ability to push back its own limits, conquer new territories and build its future.

Air Liquide explores the best that air can offer to preserve life, staying true to its Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainable development approach. In 2011, the Group’s revenues amounted to €14.5 billion, of which more than 80% were generated outside France. Air Liquide is listed on the Paris Euronext stock exchange (compartment A) and is a member of the CAC 40 and Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 indexes.

Inauguration of a new plant in Dawson Creek (BC)

Information

Air Liquide Canada

Daniel M. Richard

Manager, Communications

(514) 846-7735

danielm.richard@airliquide.com