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Executives confident as preparations in place, all systems go for new ASU plant

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Air Products South Africa is making good on its commitment to situate a state-of-the-art air separation unit in the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) in Port Elizabeth, as it prepares to break ground in the IDZ’s Zone 3 next week.

“This is a bold move – informed by a strong business case and plan. We are confident that we can deliver stability to regional industry and gas users. This move will yield business growth not only for Air Products, but for an entire industrial supply chain,” said Josua Le Roux General Manager: Central Support at Air Products. He adds that the company is expanding its output capacity to accommodate its customers’ future growth plans.

“We are celebrating this as a coup for the Eastern Cape and are counting down the days to the ground-breaking – which signals a new era for gas supply in the province.”

The industrial gas company said plans are in place for a major “show of commitment”, with two events planned; a business-to-business gala dinner on May 7 and a symbolic sod-turning on the morning of May 8 in the IDZ.

“Air Products’ investment will bring local stability to the sector, counteracting the status quo of gas being trucked into the region which is adding to the cost of doing business,” said Le Roux.

The investment will also enable business growth along the supply chain in a range of industries that include automotive, agro-processing, food and beverage, renewable energy, manufacturing and medical and pharmaceutical. “Gas, at some level, is incorporated in almost every industrial process, and being a province with a growing industrial footprint, we could no longer ignore the accelerating needs in the Eastern Cape,” Le Roux added.

The building and installation of the new facility, the first of its kind in the region, will commence early in June 2013, with completion and commissioning planned for the third quarter in 2014.

The new facility in Coega will feature the latest available air separation technology, which is designed both for maximum product output capacity and energy efficiency.

Air Products SA is enlarging its national footprint with the investment, which totals R300-million, and the move forms part of long-term strategy of capital investment commencing countrywide.

“This is the latest step to bring to fruition the company’s long-term focus on its future sustainability and performance,” said Le Roux. “It is an important effort to ensure sustainable security of supply and reliable customer service, both cornerstones of our business.”

The ground-breaking in the Coega IDZ takes place on Wednesday May 8, at 10am in Zone 3 and will be attended by high level government and business dignitaries.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.