Airgas USA LLC, an Air Liquide company, will build a liquid carbon dioxide (CO₂) production facility in Stockton, Calif., that will support the manufacturing of dry ice used in applications from water treatment and food chilling to freezing systems and brewing/winemaking. The facility’s process will use CO₂ by-product from Pacific Ethanol’s nearby ethanol production facility.

Airgas will also expand an air separation unit (ASU) in Etiwanda, Calif., that will increase the available supply of industrial gases to customers throughout southern California. The expansion will produce cryogenic liquid nitrogen and oxygen to support the region’s merchant bulk gas market, which includes industries such as healthcare, chemical, food and beverage, electronics and oil and gas.

Once on-stream, the two facilities will significantly increase the company’s merchant gas capabilities in California.