Airgas Inc. (NYSE: ARG), Radnor, PA, plans to expand its atmospheric gas production capacity in New England by building a second air separation unit (ASU) in Bozrah, CT, in order to meet the expected increase in demand for merchant gases there. The ASU, which will produce oxygen, nitrogen and argon, will operate alongside the existing Bozrah plant and is expected to begin production in the fall of 2015.
"The market for atmospheric gases is expected to continue to grow in New England, particularly in the medical, laboratory, high-tech and food industries," said Michael Molinini, Airgas president and CEO.
The company's proposed plant in Bozrah will produce more than 600 tons per day of oxygen, nitrogen and argon and will bring Airgas' total capacity at the site to over 1,600 tons per day. Tom Thoman, Airgas division president – gases production, said the new ASU will enhance the security of Airgas's supply in the region.