Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) today announced completion of a $40 million upgrade to its Ecorse, Mich., industrial gas complex.

The upgrade consists of a new state-of-the-art plant that replaces four older, less-efficient plants built over 30 years ago. It produces up to 1,750 tons-per-day (1,575 metric tons-per-day) of oxygen, 4,400 tons-per-day (3,960 metric tons-per-day) of nitrogen and 82 tons-per-day (74 metric tons-per-day) of argon. The upgrade improves the Ecorse facility's power efficiency by 15%. The Ecorse complex supplies oxygen, nitrogen and argon via an existing 35-mile pipeline network to several Praxair customers, including the Great Lakes Division of National Steel and Rouge Industries.

Praxair began operations in Ecorse in 1960 and currently operates three air separation plants and a hydrogen production facility at the complex. Ninety percent of the gases produced at the Ecorse complex are delivered to customers via pipelines, with the remainder distributed in liquid form by truck to hospitals, metal processors, and to other industrial companies supplying the automotive industry.

Great Lakes Division of National Steel Corporation (NYSE: NS) is the largest steel producer in Michigan and the company's largest manufacturing facility. It provides a full range of high-quality, flat-rolled steel products to the automotive, construction, container and service center markets.

Rouge Industries, Inc. (NYSE: ROU) is the eighth largest integrated steel producer in the United States. The company produces premium-quality flat-rolled sheet steel products and principally serves the automotive, converter and service center markets.

Praxair, Inc.

Praxair, Inc.

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