Linde has signed an agreement to de-captivate an air separation unit (ASU) at China South Steel’s plant in Shaoguan, Guangdong Province. Linde already owns and operates five on-site ASUs to supply industrial gases to China South Steel in Shaoguan and will now de-captivate and upgrade a sixth. The agreement brings Linde’s total on-site production capacity in Shaoguan to approximately 130,000 cubic meters per hour.

In addition to the de-captivation, Linde has extended its long-term agreement with China South Steel for the supply of industrial gases at Shaoguan. Linde’s industrial gases complex also meets demand from Linde’s local merchant customers.

“Linde’s track record of operational excellence over the past 25 years makes it an ideal partner for the safe, efficient and reliable supply of essential industrial gases to our steel production site,” said Lai Xiaomin, Member of the Party Standing Committee of Baowu Group Zhongnan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd, and President of Guangdong Zhongnan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. “These agreements support our transformation program by securing supply while optimizing our structure.”

“Linde’s gases play an important role in steel manufacturing, helping to make our customers more efficient and productive. We are proud to deepen our existing long-standing relationship between Linde and China South Steel,” said Will Li, President Greater China, Linde. “This high-quality investment meets our strict investment criteria, secures future growth and enhances Linde’s network density in one of China's largest regional economies.”