Linde plans to invest over $400 million to build the region’s largest Air Separation Unit in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. The facility will support the supply chain for low-carbon ammonia and work alongside the upcoming Blue Point Number One complex by CF Industries, JERA, and Mitsui & Co. The project is expected to create 15 new jobs with salaries over 45% higher than the parish average, retain more than 100 existing jobs in the state, and generate about 50 indirect jobs, for a total of 65 new jobs. “This announcement is yet another win for the West Bank as we build out the industrial base and bring high-wage job opportunities to the area,” said Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois.
Linde is set to build an Air Separation Unit to support low-carbon ammonia production at what is expected to be the largest facility of its kind in the world. The company already operates in several parts of Louisiana, including Geismar, St. Charles Parish, Vidalia, Lake Charles, and Sulphur, with a pipeline network across the southern part of the state. “This project is another application of Linde’s world-scale air separation technology and we are honored to contribute to Blue Point’s vision for a low carbon ammonia supply chain,” said Linde Executive Vice President Sean Durbin. The project will be located in Ascension Parish’s RiverPlex MegaPark, which has recently attracted large investments, including Hyundai’s nearly $6 billion steel mill. Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment said, “With three major announcements in just four months, we’re witnessing a commitment to revitalize a rural area that’s long been overlooked. The Westbank is rising — this is just the beginning,” as reported by the Louisiana Economic Development.
Construction of Linde’s facility is expected to begin in 2026, with operations starting in 2029. To support the project in Ascension Parish, Louisiana Economic Development provided an incentive package, with LED FastStart assisting in workforce development. The company is also expected to take part in state tax exemption and quality jobs programs. “The RiverPlex MegaPark continues to attract meaningful investment to Louisiana’s Capital Region, and we are delighted Linde chose to expand in Ascension Parish,” said Lori Melancon, President and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, according to the Louisiana Economic Development.
