About us
Air Liquide South Africa, supplies rare gases, specialty gas mixtures, ultra-high purity gases and chemicals and related equipment and services. Products are supplied in compressed gas cylinders with volumes and purities available to meet the needs of customers in a wide range of industries.
Air Liquide has over the last 70 years invested and contributed to the Southern African economy and society, as well as acting as a key partner to over 3000 customers and patients in the region. Our customers are predominantly in the industrial/mining space as well as healthcare sectors. We employ around 800 people in our South African operations. We strive to create an environment where employees have the opportunity to learn, perform at their best and excel in their careers. A third of employees in managerial and professional positions are women with a particular focus to continue to grow this demographic. Mr Nkululeko Magadla, based in South Africa, is the CEO of Air Liquide's Southern Africa operations.
Our business
Air Liquide South Africa, supplies rare gases, specialty gas mixtures, ultra-high purity gases and chemicals and related equipment and services. Products are supplied in compressed gas cylinders with volumes and purities available to meet the needs of customers in a wide range of industries.
Air Liquide Healthcare South Africa, provides medical and therapeutic gases as well as related equipment to hospitals and healthcare institutions in South Africa.
Air Liquide Engineering and Construction South Africa, designs and builds units for Large Industries as well for third-party customers that prefer not to outsource their gas production.
Recent Investments
In 2021, Air Liquide invested R8.5bn, acquiring 16 oxygen production units on SASOL’s Secunda site. Subsequently, over R2bn has been invested modernising the site with a commitment to invest a further R100m in technology and knowledge localisation. As part of the investment and committing to the future, Air Liquide has:
Brought to South Africa its international expertise in implementing highly mastered operational practices, state-of-the art technologies, modernization investments and digital capabilities to optimize the operation of its Air Separation Units (ASU)s and the related energy consumption. Some of these experts are South Africans working globally as domain experts.
Power Purchase Agreements with IPP’s - Air Liquide Group has committed publicly to its ambition and programme to decarbonise our oxygen production plants around the world. The Group commitment is to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. As part of our investment for the Secunda site, we have committed to reducing the CO2 emissions by approximately 1.2 million tons per year. This translates to a significant 30% - 40% reduction by 2031. As a first step, Air Liquide and Sasol signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPA’s) for almost 700 MW as part of our joint commitment to pursue the procurement of renewable power. These renewable energy projects in South Africa achieved financial close in 2024 and are now under construction.
Over the years, Air Liquide has been a significant contributor to social redress in South Africa. Amongst these are:
- B-BBEE commitment - In 2023, Air Liquide achieved a B-BBEE Level 1 contributor status following a B-BBEE transaction in which a black-owned and woman-led entity acquired 25% of the large industries business. Prior to this, Air Liquide’s healthcare businesses were equally empowered at 25%+ ownership. Both companies are now Level 1 contributors.
Small business development - Across our entities in 2024, we have supported the following:
- Enterprise Development - 40 beneficiaries
- Suppliers Under Development - 35 beneficiaries
- Socio-Economic Development - 10 beneficiaries
These beneficiaries range from service providers to us but also to other parties.
Community Investment - In 2023, Air Liquide sponsored the opening of a business centre in Secunda, to support the development of new businesses and youth entrepreneurship. Further, we support schools in communities around our operating sites. Some examples: sponsoring the installation of photovoltaic panels in schools, mobile laboratories for STEM subjects, partnering with community-based clinics to increase access to medical oxygen.
STEM Education - In conjunction with Wits University, Air Liquide hosted a STEM appreciation week during the 2024 National Science Week. Over 300 high school students from Soweto, Eldorado Park and Kathorus were exposed to practical science with a view to stimulate their interest in STEM subjects.
Social responsibility
We are committed to achieving commercial ways that honour ethical values and respect for people and all our stakeholders.