Praxair signs long-term oxygen supply deal with Methanol in US

Industrial gas firm Praxair, Inc has signed a long-term agreement to supply oxygen to US Methanol LLC’s new facility in Institute, West Virginia. The customer’s facility will produce methanol for use in the production of plastics, varnishes, medicines, adhesives and textiles.

Praxair will build a vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) plant that is expected to start up in 2019.

“We are proud to partner with US Methanol as they build their first facility in West Virginia,” said Todd Lawson, vice president, east region for Praxair’s US industrial gases business. “Praxair has a long-term expertise building and operating VPSA plants, and we look forward to providing them with a safe and effective solution.”

US Methanol’s West Virginia facility will be a major regional manufacturer benefiting from the abundance of gas in the Marcellus and Utica shale fields. The low cost of producing natural gas and related byproducts is expected to expand the chemical industry in the area. The company selected the site because of its access to extensive water, rail and highway systems and low cost raw materials.

“We chose Praxair because of their reputation as a reliable supplier,” said Frank Bakker, US Methanol chief executive officer. “They are an industry leader in VPSA technology, and we look forward to working with them as we expand our business in a region that is positioned for future growth.”

Praxair is one of the largest gas companies worldwide, with market capitalisation of approximately US$40 billion and 2017 sales of US$11 billion. It employs over 26,000 people globally and has been named to the Dow Jones^® World Sustainability Index for 15 consecutive years. Praxair produces, sells and distributes atmospheric, process and specialty gases and high-performance surface coatings.