17-04-2013

Praxair starts up first air separation unit in Bahrain

Praxair Bahrain, the Middle East-based subsidiary of Praxair, Inc. has announced the start-up of its first air separation plant in the Kingdom of Bahrain. As part of the long-term contract, Praxair will supply oxygen, nitrogen and argon to United Steel Company (SULB) B.S.C. to support the company’s ongoing expansion efforts.

Praxair’s plant has the capacity to produce 350 tons of oxygen per day, making it the largest air separation unit in Bahrain.  Located in the Al-Hidd industrial area, SULB is the first fully-integrated medium and heavy beams and structural steel sections producer in the Middle East, serving industries such as infrastructure, construction and industrial. Praxair’s air separation plant will also produce liquid nitrogen, oxygen and argon to supply a diverse group of customers in the regional merchant market, including hospitals, metal fabricators, aluminum manufacturers, refiners, chemical plants and food freezers.

“We are proud to have been chosen to support United Steel Company’s expansion in the Middle East, and we look forward to working together to promote industrial development in the region,” said Vipin Sher, managing director, Middle East for Praxair. “The start-up of this plant, along with the earlier acquisition of Bahrain Medical and Industrial Gas Plants, establishes Praxair as a fully-integrated industrial gases business in Bahrain, complete with on-site, merchant and packaged gas operations.”

“As a result of this expansion, SULB will be one of the lowest cost steel producers in the world,” said Khalid A Al-Qadeeri, SULB's chairman and managing director. “And, we are confident that Praxair, with its extensive experience in supporting the steel industry, will provide us with safe, reliable and efficient operations.”