Air Liquide Bulgaria has officially received a “Class A Investor

Air Liquide Bulgaria has officially received a “Class A Investor ” Certificate under the Investment Promotion Act for its PiLAR project — the construction of a new Air Separation Unit (ASU) at its Pirdop–Zlatitsa site. The project is part of the Group’s €100 million investment program in Bulgaria and Germany, focused on delivering more reliable and sustainable industrial gas supplies to Aurubis and other customers. Within the same program, Air Liquide is modernizing four existing ASUs in Germany, scheduled for completion by 2027.

The new facility in Central-West Bulgaria will replace older capacities and provide higher volumes of oxygen for Aurubis, as well as argon for industrial markets across Europe. Commissioning is planned for 2027. The plant is designed to reduce electricity consumption by about 7% compared to the units it will replace, with the possibility of partially sourcing power from renewable energy. With a major client like Aurubis and a proven long-term partnership, the site gains strategic importance.

The certificate award ceremony took place on 23 September 2025, in the presence of Bulgarian government officials and members of the diplomatic corps. The certificate was presented by Mila Nenova, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Investment Agency.

Felicitas Zimmerhof, General Manager of Air Liquide Bulgaria, stated:  “The Class A Certificate is recognition of our long-term commitment to Bulgarian industry. With the PiLAR project in Pirdop, we are enhancing supply security for our strategic partner Aurubis and for customers in the region, while improving energy efficiency and supporting sustainability goals. ”

Marcin Skowron, Director of Strategy for Northern Central Europe at Air Liquide, added:  “Our investments in Bulgaria and the modernization of facilities in Germany reflect Air Liquide’s consistent strategy: growth, reliability, and decarbonization. With PiLAR, we are strengthening Europe’s industrial infrastructure and creating value for our customers and communities. ”

Air Liquide has been present in Bulgaria since 1999 and has built a reputation as a reliable partner for leading industrial clients. The company’s activities are defined by long-term partnerships that ensure predictable revenues and sustainable investments. It operates three production sites and a nationwide distribution network, ensuring efficient logistics and secure deliveries across Bulgaria and the region.

The “Class A Investor ” Certificate is an acknowledgment by the Bulgarian state of Air Liquide’s significant investment in the country, directly contributing to national industrial capacity. It aligns with Air Liquide’s ambition to be the #1 sustainable supplier of industrial gases in Bulgaria.

About Air Liquide

Air Liquide is a world leader in gases, technologies, and services for industry and healthcare. Present in 60 countries with 66,300 employees, the Group serves over 4 million customers and patients. Oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen—small molecules essential to life, matter, and energy—have been at the core of Air Liquide’s activities since its creation in 1902.

Acting today while preparing for the future is at the heart of Air Liquide’s strategy. The Group aims for global performance combining financial and non-financial dimensions. Leveraging its strong business model, capacity for innovation, and technological expertise, Air Liquide develops solutions that contribute to the climate and energy transition—especially with hydrogen—while advancing healthcare, digital, and high-tech sectors. In 2023, Air Liquide’s revenue exceeded €27.5 billion.

Air Liquide is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (compartment A) and is part of the CAC 40, CAC 40 ESG, EURO STOXX50, FTSE4Good, and DJSI Europe indices.