Air Liquide has announced a substantial investment of nearly €60 million to acquire and operate an Air Separation Unit (ASU) in Yantai, China, under a long-term contract with Wanhua Chemical Group, a leading global supplier of innovative chemical products. The collaboration will involve the construction of a new liquid argon production unit to cater to the Industrial Merchant markets in Yantai and the broader Shandong province. This move is expected to bolster Air Liquide's presence in Shandong, China's third-largest economy. The partnership will see Air Liquide providing considerable quantities of nitrogen and oxygen to Wanhua, with the ASU expected to be operational by the end of 2024. This strategic collaboration aims to establish Air Liquide as a key supplier of industrial and medical gases in Yantai, a significant industrial city in the region. This development aligns with Air Liquide's 2025 ADVANCE strategic plan, focusing on expanding into new markets and boosting operational excellence. Air Liquide's Group Vice President for Asia Pacific, Ronnie Chalmers, expressed the company's honor in becoming a strategic partner of Wanhua. He emphasized the significance of the partnership in supporting dynamic partners and venturing into new markets that align with Air Liquide's growth objectives. Similarly, Liao Zengtai, Chairman of Wanhua Chemical Group, highlighted the deepening strategic partnership with Air Liquide as a milestone for long-term development. With over 120 plants in China and nearly 5,600 employees, Air Liquide has established a strong presence in key industrial regions. The company's expansion into central, southern, and western areas signifies a strategic growth trajectory. Air Liquide's core business activities, ranging from industrial and medical gas operations to engineering and construction services, emphasize innovation and technological expertise. Founded in 1902, Air Liquide has positioned itself as a global leader in gases, technologies, and services for industry and healthcare. Its operations in 60 countries, serving over 4 million customers and patients, underscore the company's significant impact on essential small molecules like oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen. These elements remain pivotal to Air Liquide's mission and operational focus.