Air Liquide marked a major milestone in its North American operations with the inauguration of its Geismar 4 Large Modular Air Separation (LMA) facility in Geismar, Louisiana, last Wednesday, October 29. The new unit represents a substantial investment and a significant increase in the company’s production capacity along the U.S. Gulf Coast, designed to support the region’s expanding industrial base.
The Geismar 4 LMA facility is one of three Large Modular Air Separation Units constructed in Louisiana by Air Liquide. The project stems from a major investment of over $270 million announced in 2019 to fulfill a new, long-term supply agreement with Methanex, a world-leader in methanol production, for its Geismar plant expansion.
“This project is a testament to the continued trust Methanex has placed in Air Liquide,” stated Adam Peters, Chief Executive Officer, Air Liquide North America, as he led the ceremony emphasizing the company’s dedication to “delivering operational excellence through safe and reliable supply”. Peters proudly noted that all teams involved completed the construction and commissioning of the facility with “zero recordable incidents,” a powerful indicator of the company’s focus on safety.
Dmitry Rachuk, Chief Operating Officer, Air Liquide Engineering and Construction, highlighted the complexity and scale of the project: “The construction effort involved extensive site preparation, including removing eight feet of native soil and replacing it with a specialized mix, followed by the placement of over 600 piles—some deeper than 90 feet—to create a rock-solid foundation.”
Andrew Garnett, Senior Vice President, Industrial Operations, Air Liquide North America, acknowledged the immense dedication of the project teams. He stressed that the completion of the build is not the end of the story, but “the beginning of a whole new chapter, one built on an “unwavering commitment to safety and operational excellence”.
With 56 facilities and over 550 employees in Louisiana, Air Liquide and Airgas, an Air Liquide company, continue to reinforce the Group’s deep local presence and its commitment to meeting the growing needs of customers along the Mississippi River, demonstrating a clear outlook for the robust growth of industry in the Gulf Coast.
