en.Wedoany.com Reported - BOC, an industrial gas supplier in New Zealand, has announced the construction of a multi-million New Zealand dollar air separation unit in Christchurch to secure the country's long-term supply of industrial and medical gases.
The new facility has the capacity to produce up to 30 tonnes of liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen per day, complementing BOC's air separation unit in Glenbrook, North Island, which currently produces most of New Zealand's medical oxygen. This is BOC's largest investment in New Zealand in over a decade, aimed at enhancing the resilience and emergency preparedness of the national supply chain, while supporting regional economic development and healthcare security in the South Island.
Cory Spence, Managing Director of Linde New Zealand and Pacific Islands, stated that the investment reflects BOC's confidence in New Zealand's economic outlook, regulatory environment, and customer commitments, and will also reduce reliance on long-distance transportation. Spence noted that BOC is pleased to make this investment in the South Island to ensure the supply of critical industrial gases for medical, food production, and industrial applications. "This investment also enhances our ability to support the local emerging high-tech and aerospace industries by producing high-purity gases essential for advanced manufacturing and launch capabilities through local production."
Spence added that with decentralized production at both Glenbrook and Christchurch, up to 1,000 inter-island tanker trips can be reduced annually, thereby lowering transportation emissions and risks associated with long-distance supply chains. During construction, the project will create jobs and inject economic investment into the Canterbury region through civil engineering, mechanical and electrical installation, local contractors, logistics, and subsequent maintenance services.
James Meager, Minister for the South Island, welcomed the announcement. He noted that this multi-million New Zealand dollar investment is a significant vote of confidence in the economies of Christchurch and the South Island, securing the supply of critical gases that underpin healthcare and manufacturing, while creating jobs during construction and supporting the growth of future advanced industries.
The construction and engineering of the air separation unit will be carried out by Linde Engineering in collaboration with BOC, located at BOC's existing production base in Sockburn, Christchurch, which serves as the main storage, redistribution, and logistics hub for the South Island. Currently, a quarter of BOC's South Island workforce is based at this site, handling bulk, cryogenic, and cylinder filling operations, supplying industrial, medical, specialty, food-grade, and aviation gases to customers. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the air separation unit expected to be operational in 2027.
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