It will be built next to the existing Nucor facility and is expected to be on-stream in the spring of 2017. The ASU will also produce oxygen, nitrogen and argon to support the region’s merchant bulk gas market.
“Airgas has been very responsive in understanding and formulating solutions to our gas supply needs and, through the new ASU, will provide Nucor with an innovative and highly reliable long-term supply system,” said Randy Skagen, vice president and general manager of Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa.
Airgas currently owns and operates 16 ASUs and is the fifth-largest producer of atmospheric gases in the U.S.
“Our investment in new production capabilities in Tuscaloosa will provide supply security to Nucor and strengthen our gas supply chain to ensure long-term reliability for our packaged and merchant gas customers throughout the region,” said Thomas S. Thoman, Airgas division president – gases production.