Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX), Danbury, CT, announced the start-up of a new 270 tons-per-day air separation plant in Pisco, located in the central region of Peru. Under a long-term contract, Praxair will increase its supply of oxygen to Aceros Arequipa, a Peruvian long steel maker, to meet the company’s expanding steel production capacity. This is Praxair’s third plant serving Aceros Arequipa’s Pisco facility.

The new supply will enable Aceros Arequipa to expand its production of corrugated iron, steel wire rods and other steel products used in Peru’s construction sector.

“Aceros Arequipa is one of our largest customers in Peru and we are very pleased to build upon our longstanding relationship,” said Domingos Bulus, president of Praxair South America. “Our newest plant has been designed to operate with even greater efficiency and ensure a reliable supply of industrial gases.”