Air Liquide hosts groundbreaking event at its Bayport industrial complex

On May 12, 2014, Air Liquide held a groundbreaking ceremony for a major redevelopment project at its complex in the Bayport Industrial District, just east of Houston, Texas.

Air Liquide has invested around $230 million in the project, which includes upgrades to its state-of-the-art, energy efficient cogeneration unit to increase production capacity and extend its life by more than 20 years. The facility will have a full capacity of 300 megawatts of electricity and more than 1,300 tonnes of steam per hour. The project also includes upgrading and expanding the capacity of an air separation unit and additional infrastructure. The major investment will help enable Air Liquide to meet the growing needs of customers throughout the Texas regional basin.

Approximately 250 temporary construction jobs have been created for the multi-phased redevelopment project, which is on track to be completed in the next two years. Thus far, more than 200,000 man hours have been logged with zero lost-time accidents and zero injuries.

Michael Graff, Chairman & CEO of American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc., commented: “Today we are celebrating the renewal and growth of our capabilities along the Texas Gulf Coast. This project will better position Air Liquide to serve the growing needs of our key customers in this region, supplying high quality products in a safe, reliable and efficient way. We are proud to make this major investment in Texas’ Bayport Industrial District, and appreciate the continued support of our valued customers, local leaders and neighbors in the community.”

Pictured (from left): Scott D. Livingston, Economic Development Coordinator, City of La Porte; Mac Flores, Office of U.S. Representative Pete Olson; Jay Guerrero, Office of U.S. Senator Cornyn; John Buckley, CEO, Air Liquide USA LLC; George Avdey, President, Kuraray; Michael Graff, Chairman & CEO, American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc.; Jim Gallogly, CEO, LyondellBasell; Terry Humphrey, COO, Air Liquide Large Industries U.S. LP; Corby D. Alexander, City Manager, City of La Porte; Cameron Mason, President, Air Liquide Global E&C Solutions US Inc.; Mayor Louis Rigby, City of La Porte; Jorge Maldonado, Office of U.S. Representative Gene Green; Pat Ficara, Vice President, Air Liquide USA LLC; Chris Lloyd-Jones, Vice President Major Investments, Air Liquide Group; Kevin LaGasse, General Manager, US South Region Power Generation Services, General Electric; Sean McHone, VP, Fossil Power Technologies, Sargent & Lundy; Chris Irwin, VP Construction Operations (Mid-Cap Projects), Zachry.