White Martins, the Brazil-based subsidiary of Praxair, has started up a new 800-ton-per-day air separation plant in the state of Minas Gerais, in southeastern Brazil. Under a long-term contract, Praxair’s new plant will supply industrial gases to ArcelorMittal.
Praxair is ArcelorMittal’s main industrial gases supplier in Brazil, delivering gases to five of its facilities located in Espirito Santo, Minas Gerais and Sao Paulo states. The Minas Gerais plant will also supply local customers in the Brazilian southeast in segments such as mining, primary metals, automotive, manufacturing and healthcare. Minas Gerais is Brazil’s third largest state economy and contributes over 9% of Brazil’s GDP, with the industrial sector being a major contributor.
“Praxair and ArcelorMittal have had a long-term relationship in Minas Gerais and around the world, and this project positions us well to continue to grow together in the future”, said Domingos Bulus, president of White Martins.