Further investment in Bulgaria

In this context, Air Liquide has just signed a new agreement with Aurubis.
Under the terms of the 15-year contract, Air Liquide will supply additional quantities of oxygen to Aurubis as of 2013. Air Liquide will invest close to €10 million to expand its operations in Pirdop, 80 km east of Sofia, and will supply 350 tonnes per day of gaseous oxygen, in addition to the 800 tonnes per day already supplied.

Aurubis is the largest copper producer in Europe and the world leader in copper recycling. It produces some 1 million tons of copper cathodes each year as well as a variety of copper products.
This agreement between Air Liquide and Aurubis is part of “Aurubis Bulgaria 2014”, a new investment program launched by Aurubis.

Nicolas Treand, Executive Director of Aurubis Bulgaria, said: “This is the first important step of our Aurubis Bulgaria 2014 investment programme for environmental protection and increased productivity. I’m very pleased with this agreement.”

Augustin de Roubin, member of Air Liquide Executive Committee, Vice-President South and Eastern Europe, said: “We are delighted to sign with a major player of the copper industry. Air Liquide is also proud to meet the growing needs of its customers and accompany them in their geographical expansion, in this case in South Eastern Europe. Developing Economies are one of the Group’s growth drivers.”

The Large Industries Business Line of the Air Liquide Group
offers gas and energy solutions that improve process efficiency and help achieve greater respect for the environment, mainly in the refining and natural gas, chemicals, metals and energy markets. 2010 revenues were €4,019 million.

Air Liquide in Bulgaria
Air Liquide has been present in Bulgaria since 1999.
Today with around 80 employees, Air Liquide Bulgaria has built two filling centers and two production sites, for a total production capacity of 1,100 tonnes of oxygen per day.

Air Liquide is the world leader in gases for industry, health and the environment, and is present in 80 countries with 43,600 employees. Oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and rare gases have been at the core of Air Liquide’s activities since its creation in 1902. Using these molecules, Air Liquide continuously reinvents its business, anticipating the needs of current and future markets. The Group innovates to enable progress, to achieve dynamic growth and a consistent performance.
Innovative technologies that curb polluting emissions, lower industry’s energy use, recover and reuse natural resources or develop the energies of tomorrow, such as hydrogen, biofuels or photovoltaic energy… Oxygen for hospitals, homecare, fighting nosocomial infections… Air Liquide combines many products and technologies to develop valuable applications and services not only for its customers but also for society.
A partner for the long term, Air Liquide relies on employee commitment, customer trust and shareholder support to pursue its vision of sustainable, competitive growth. The diversity of Air Liquide’s teams, businesses, markets and geographic presence provides a solid and sustainable base for its development and strengthens its ability to push back its own limits, conquer new territories and build its future.
Air Liquide explores the best that air can offer to preserve life, staying true to its sustainable development approach. In 2010, the Group’s revenues amounted to €13.5 billion, of which more than 80% were generated outside France. Air Liquide is listed on the Paris Euronext stock exchange (compartment A) and is a member of the CAC 40 and Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 indexes.