Linde LLC, a subsidiary of Linde North America Inc., has broken ground for a new industrial gases liquefier in La Porte, Texas. The plant will produce liquid oxygen, nitrogen and argon at the air separation unit Linde is building at the site.

The ASU, part of a $200 million Linde investment that will also include a gasification train and supporting equipment and facilities, will be the largest such Linde plant in the United States, says the company. It is scheduled to come on-stream in the first quarter of 2015.

The La Porte ASU plant will use less electricity by taking advantage of the latest design technology from Linde Engineering, says the industrial gases producer. The completed plant also is expected to improve the supply chain by bringing products closer to customers.

Until the new plant is completed, Linde will continue to serve customers from its nearby plants in Texas and Louisiana.