Praxair, now part of the new Linde group, is to build, own and operate three new air separation units for Shanghai Huayi’s new complex in Qinzhou, China, which will produce methanol, acetic acid and other chemicals to meet the country’s growing demand.

The plants, in which Praxair expects to invest its largest sum in China so far, will supply up to 7,500 t/d of oxygen and 5,000 t/d of nitrogen. Start-up is scheduled for the second half of 2020.

“This new project will further demonstrate our strengths in supporting major chemical industry projects and allows us to build density in south China – a region positioned for future growth,” said Praxair China’s president, Will Li.

Shanghai Huayi, one of China’s largest chemical companies, already has a strong presence in the eastern part of the country and the Qinzhou complex will extend its footprint into the south.

Separately, Praxair will build a fifth plant in Hwaseong, South Korea, to supply ultra-high purity nitrogen to Samsung’s semiconductor facility.  The facility is due to start up in late 2019. Praxair will also install multiple purifiers and a new pipeline system to support the project.

BS Sung, president of Praxair Korea, said the project increases its presence in the region and positions it for future expansion.

In April this year, Praxair announced two other long-term agreements with Samsung affiliates in South Korea. One was to supply a semiconductor plant in Pyeongtaek with ultra high-purity industrial gases and the other was to supply nitrogen to a multi-layer ceramic capacitors plant in Busan.

Under the deals, Praxair will build, own and operate several new plants, which are due to go into operation in 2019.