INOX Air Products (INOXAP), one of India’s largest manufacturer of industrial and medical gases, has secured a significant contract from Tata Steel to set up two Air Separation Units (ASUs) at Tata Steel’s Meramandali plant in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district. The landmark order marks INOXAP’s first-ever collaboration with Tata Steel and aligns with the steel major’s ongoing capacity expansion plans.
Large-Capacity ASUs to Support Steel Expansion
Each of the two ASUs will have a capacity to produce 1,800 tons of oxygen per day, along with nitrogen and argon. In addition, the units will feature provisions for the production of rare gases, enhancing operational flexibility and long-term value for Tata Steel. Once commissioned, the facilities will play a critical role in supporting steelmaking operations at the Meramandali plant.
₹1,300 Crore Investment Marks INOXAP’s Largest Greenfield Project
INOXAP will invest approximately ₹1,300 crore to execute the project, making it the single largest Greenfield investment in the company’s history. This investment underscores INOXAP’s confidence in the long-term growth of India’s steel sector and its commitment to large-scale, high-impact infrastructure development.
Strengthening Presence in Eastern India
At the same time, the project significantly strengthens INOXAP’s footprint in eastern India. By leveraging state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced gas separation technologies, INOXAP aims to expand its regional presence while reinforcing its position as India’s leading industrial gases manufacturer. Moreover, the development consolidates INOXAP’s standing as a preferred on-site merchant gas supplier to large industrial customers.
Six Decades of Expertise in the Steel Industry
With over 60 years of experience serving the Indian steel industry, INOXAP brings deep operational expertise to the project. As an integrated industrial gas supplier, the company offers advanced application technologies across multiple steelmaking processes.
These include blast furnace enrichment, electric arc furnace oxygen lancing, and ladle furnace pre-heating using oxy-fuel burners. They also cover reheating furnace enrichment, argon oxygen decarburisation, oxy-fuel assisted melting, and molten metal blanketing in induction furnaces. INOXAP supports these applications through both on-site ASUs and bulk gas supplies from its 47 operating locations across the country.
Proven Operational Excellence and Safety Record
Finally, INOXAP’s dedicated approach to ASU operations has ensured high efficiency. Its successful localisation of global best practices enables consistently low downtime across facilities. As reported by steel-technology.com, INOXAP delivers exceptional operational reliability. Its best-in-class safety record, supported by a strong focus on maintaining critical spares, continues to set it apart in the industrial gases sector.
