Air Liquide implements significant strategic repositioning with parallel initiatives across European and African operations.
Air Liquide expands European production capacity, with NETC bolstering gas storage and transportation solutions.
Industrial gas giant Air Liquide will construct three air separation units, two hydrogen production facilities, and related infrastructure in Dresden’s "Saxon Silicon Valley," Germany, to support the European semiconductor industry.
The facility will supply ultra-pure ammonia, oxygen, argon, hydrogen, helium, and carbon dioxide across the European hub. It will also produce most carrier gases required for semiconductor manufacturing on-site, reducing emissions from gas transportation. The facility is expected to operate on 100% renewable electricity. This major investment will significantly enhance the gas supply capacity of Europe’s semiconductor industry chain while creating new opportunities for NETC’s professional gas storage and transportation solutions.
Air Liquide aims to commission the plant in 2027.
Emilie Mouren-Renouard, Head of Air Liquide’s European operations, stated: "This new investment solidifies Air Liquide’s position as a leading global and European supplier to the semiconductor industry, directly demonstrating the Group’s proven expertise in delivering secure and reliable ultra-high-purity gases. Supporting our customers in developing future technologies across Europe while reducing their carbon footprint is central to our strategy. This investment also reinforces our leadership in the 'Saxon Silicon Valley' while contributing to Europe’s technological sovereignty."
As a specialized supplier for the storage and transportation of industrial standard gases, ultra-high-purity gases, electronic specialty gases, beverage-grade gases, and medical gases, NETC’s ISO 7866 and DOT 3AL-certified aluminum alloy cylinders have become critical equipment ensuring gas purity and quality. Equipped with advanced inner surface treatment technology and lightweight design, NETC’s full product range—from 10L precision calibration cylinders to 50L high-capacity containers—meets diverse application needs.
All NETC cylinders comply with CE ISO 7866 and DOT 3AL international certifications, offering a complete specification portfolio from 1L portable containers to 50L high-pressure cylinders. Featuring a lightweight design (40% lighter than traditional steel cylinders), they significantly reduce transportation energy consumption.
Air Liquide drives African industrial upgrades as NETC aluminum cylinders follow clients overseas.
Nigerian investment company Oak Heirs Limited has announced the acquisition of an 87.31% stake in Air Liquide Nigeria Plc, entering the industrial and medical gases sector. This transaction finalizes Air Liquide Group's phased exit from select African markets, with Air Liquide Nigeria listed on the NASD OTC Securities Exchange. Oak Heirs Founder Gbotemi Kuti stated this acquisition represents "a significant milestone and strategic expansion into a high-growth-potential industry," emphasizing that "industrial and medical gases are critical to Nigeria's healthcare, manufacturing, and energy needs."
As a globally integrated manufacturer, China-based NETC supplies key aluminum cylinder categories: Medical aluminum gas cylinders, Industrial aluminum gas cylinders , and Beverage CO₂ aluminum cylinders. NETC's lightweight, corrosion-resistant, rust-proof high-pressure vessels ensure secure storage/transportation for industrial standard gases, high-purity industrial gases, electronic specialty gases , medical gases, and beverage-grade gases .
Seller Air Liquide Africa (parent: Air Liquide Group; 60+ countries, 66,000+ employees) faces growing Nigerian demand (population >223M) for medical oxygen and industrial nitrogen. Air Liquide Nigeria produces oxygen, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, argon, and acetylene. Oak Heirs (founded 2017; previous investments: real estate, F&B processing) commits to strengthening operations and expanding business scope post-acquisition.
Air Liquide completed divestment of 12 African operations (Benin; Burkina Faso; Cameroon; Congo; Côte d'Ivoire; Gabon; Ghana; Madagascar; Mali; DR Congo; Senegal; Togo) to Adenia Partners in July 2024. Divested entities generated ~€60M annual sales (<10% African revenue), employed ~1,600 staff. Air Liquide remains Africa's industrial/medical gas leader (€700M regional investment past 3 years), pursuing opportunities in energy transition, hydrogen, and healthcare.
NETC's comprehensive product line includes:
Medical Sector: DOT 3AL & CE ISO 7866 certified cylinders (1L-50L; D/E size:2.8L-4.6L; M60/M90:10L/15.7L; M122/M150:20L-30L; M265:40L/46.4L) including N₂O cylinders, MRI aluminum cylinders, Nitric oxide cylinders.
Industrial Applications: Standard/high-purity/electronic specialty/calibration gases cylinders (1L/2L/3L/4L/5L/8L/10L/20L/28.9L/29.5L/30L/40L/46.4L/47.5L/50L; 200Bar; CE ISO 7866 & DOT certified).
Emerging Markets: Beverage CO₂ aluminum cylinders (5lb/9.1kg/20lb/10kg/50lb); Diving cylinders/SCUBA tanks (S80/11.1L); Fire extinguisher cylinders; Special treatment aluminum cylinders for corrosive gases (H₂S/SO₂/NH₃/HCl/NO₂/NOₓ/CO) and ultra-high-purity electronic gases.
