India: New Developments in the West of the Country
With GDP growth of around 8.5%, the Indian economy expanded significantly in 2010, driven by robust domestic demand. To accompany this development, Air Liquide is announcing new developments in the west of the country, in Gujarat and Maharashtra. The total investment for the new facilities and the supply chain amounts to more than Euros40 million.
Air Liquide has commissioned a new state-of-the-art Air Separation Unit (ASU) to produce gaseous nitrogen for the new float glass plant of Sezal Glass Ltd. in Jhagadia, in Gujarat (investment announced in January 2010). In addition, another facility produces hydrogen by water electrolysis to meet float glass production requirements. The Indian glass industry is experiencing high growth, driven by huge investments in urban infrastructure projects. The photovoltaic and automobile sectors also support the booming glass industry. Currently, almost 80% of the glass manufactured in India is consumed by the domestic market.
Air Liquide also invested in a new unit producing nitrogen for the new carbon fiber plant of Kemrock Industries & Exports Ltd., a leader in reinforced polymer composite in India. This unit, which has just started production in 2010, is based near Vadodara, also in Gujarat. Aerospace, wind energy, compressed natural gas and construction are the main markets driving the growth of carbon fiber.
Additionally, Air Liquide will invest in an Air Separation Unit and cylinder filling station in Pune, in Maharashtra. When commissioned in 2012, the ASU will produce over 200 tonnes per day of liquid nitrogen and oxygen dedicated to the industrial and medical markets. Pune is emerging as a prominent location for manufacturing and IT companies. It is one of the major auto manufacturing hubs of India, and a large number of engineering, electronic and electrical industries have been set up there.
Jean Marc de Royere, Senior Vice-President Asia-Pacific and a member of the Air Liquide Executive Committee, said: "We want to thank our new customers for their trust. These new developments in West India represent a new step for the Air Liquide Group in this dynamic country, where we intend to further develop our position in the coming years. Developing economies are a growth driver of the Group."
Air Liquide in India
Having started its Indian business in 1992, Air Liquide now operates with more than 1,000 employees in India: in industrial gases (mainly for the steel, automobile, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and glass markets), engineering and construction, and healthcare.
The main facilities are in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Vadodara, Panipat, Roorkee, Dharuhera and Jhagadia, with other facilities coming soon in Vizag and Pune.
Air Liquide footprint in India
Air Liquide is the world leader in gases for industry, health and the environment, and is present in 80 countries with 42,300 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, homecare, 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 sustainable development approach. In 2009, the Group's revenues amounted to Euros12 billion, of which almost 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.
