BOC expands hydrogen investment

30 November 2011

Industrial gases and engineering business BOC is to double the capacity of the hydrogen trailer filling facility on Teesside which was opened in March this year. The unit compresses hydrogen gas into specially constructed road-trailer units for distribution to customers around the country.

BOC, a member of The Linde Group, is the major supplier of hydrogen to businesses across the UK. It is also a leading innovator in hydrogen technologies. In September it opened the UK’s first open-access hydrogen vehicle refuelling station in Swindon.

The Teesport facility was built initially to meet demand in the North East but the additional capacity from the upgrade will enable it to meet growing demand for its products further afield.

Announcing the investment, Mike Huggon, Managing Director of BOC in the UK and Ireland, said: “BOC is an innovation-led company. Some of the most exciting developments at present are in the creation of a sustainable, hydrogen-based economy. The expansion of the Teesside hydrogen trailer facility will enable us to reach more customers and service these developments.”

The importance of hydrogen to the future UK economy is widely recognised. The existing Teesside development was part-funded through the Tees Valley Industrial Programme, the award being facilitated by the Local Enterprise Partnership for the area, Tees Valley Unlimited. The expansion is particularly welcome to them. “BOC is a real asset for the area and we were confident that the initial investment in their innovation would help sow the seed for further investments at a later date,” commented TVU’s Director of Business Investment Neil Kenley. “As we look to grow and build upon the Tees Valley offer, the emerging hydrogen economy is another competitive edge for existing businesses and potential inward investors.”

Julie Elders, BOC’s Hydrogen Product Manager, added: “This further investment is a demonstration both of our commitment to Teesside and to the wider hydrogen economy. It will allow us to respond to new innovations and new developments in this crucial market area.”