In a statement, Messer said the investment in the air separation unit is underpinned by a new oxygen supply agreement with North Star BlueScope Steel, which will require up to 700 tons daily to support its expanded meltshop. 

The US$700 million expansion will lift the steelmaker’s capacity by nearly 1 million short tons annually.  

“Messer and North Star BlueScope have enjoyed a long-time relationship, and we are very pleased to partner with them as a strategic enabler of their U.S. expansion,” said Jens Luehring, president and chief executive of Messer Americas. “This investment underscores Messer’s commitment to expanding our on-site business in the U.S., while strategically growing our U.S. merchant business.”