German industrial gases specialist Messer has opened a new plant in China to strengthen its position in the local market and meet increasing demand. Located in the eastern city of Suzhou, Jiangsu province, the specialty gases plant will serve as both a production and logistics center for Messer in China. Total investment costs were €33 million.

The facility, which comprises production, purification systems and a filling station, has a capacity of 600 t/y of nitrous oxide with a purity of 99.9995%, as well as other high-purity gases including silane, ammonia, hydrogen and various gas mixtures.

Messer will supply companies in the electronics industry, in particular manufacturers of flat screens, semiconductors, LEDs and photovoltaic equipment.

The company already has a specialty gases plant in Wujiang, near Suzhou, which opened in 1998.