St. James Parish, Louisiana — Air Liquide is investing more than $350 million in Louisiana to expand industrial gas production and pipeline infrastructure, supporting the new Hyundai-POSCO Louisiana steel project and reinforcing the state’s growing advanced manufacturing corridor along the Mississippi River.
The expansion includes construction of a new Air Separation Unit (ASU) in St. James Parish at the existing Koch Methanol facility, along with additional pipeline infrastructure serving industrial users throughout the region.
The upgrades will provide essential gases including oxygen, nitrogen, and argon for Hyundai-POSCO Louisiana’s planned steel production operations, while also increasing capacity and efficiency for Air Liquide’s current Louisiana network.
Governor Jeff Landry said the investment demonstrates Louisiana’s ability to attract and retain world-class industrial companies by providing the environment needed for businesses to grow, invest with confidence, and create opportunity statewide.
Air Liquide executive leadership said the project also supports industrial decarbonization goals in the United States by leveraging the company’s extensive Mississippi River infrastructure and high-efficiency technologies to help power next-generation steel production.
Air Liquide has operated in Louisiana for more than 60 years and has invested over $470 million in recent years. The company maintains more than 35 locations, employs over 500 people, and operates a 500-mile pipeline networksupporting energy, manufacturing, and chemical industries across the state.
Susan B. Bourgeois said major industrial projects continue to create ripple effects for suppliers, contractors, and service providers, with Air Liquide’s latest expansion reflecting broader economic momentum across Louisiana.
Pete Dufresne noted the parish’s logistical advantages and industrial resources continue to attract environmentally responsible investment that creates employment and business opportunities for the region.
Greater New Orleans, Inc. President and CEO Michael Hecht added that St. James Parish is emerging as one of the nation’s leading destinations for advanced industrial development, supported by strong infrastructure and workforce alignment.
Commercial operations for the expansion are expected to begin in 2028.
The announcement further strengthens Louisiana’s position as a strategic Gulf Coast hub for steel, energy, chemicals, and next-generation industrial manufacturing.
