Airgas to build air separation unit in Chicago

Airgas Inc has selected the Prologis International Centre South in Minooka, Illinois, as the site for its new air separation unit (ASU) in the Chicago area. Construction of the facility, located in Grundy County near the junction of I-80 and I-55, is scheduled to begin in February 2014 and be finished by July 2015.
 
The ASU will produce more than 450 tonnes per day of oxygen, nitrogen and argon, with production expected to begin in summer 2015.
 
"The market for atmospheric gases in the Midwest is expected to be strong for years to come. Increasing our production capabilities in the Chicago area will enhance our gas supply chain and ensure long-term reliability of supply for merchant gas customers in the region," said Michael Molinini, President and Chief Executive Officer, Airgas.
 
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The company first announced its plans to build a new ASU in the Chicago area in September 2012.
 
The new plant will be managed by Airgas Merchant Gases, the Airgas company which currently manages Airgas' network of ASUs, procurement and supplier relationships, and the logistics and distribution of bulk atmospheric and other gases. As one of the nation's largest suppliers of industrial, specialty, and medical gases, Airgas provides bulk gas supply of oxygen, nitrogen and argon through its 16 air separation units nationwide, making Airgas the nation's fifth largest producer of atmospheric gases.