South Island minister James Meager
BOC has announced plans to build a new air separation unit (ASU) in Christchurch, marking one of the company’s largest investments in the South Island and its most significant investment in New Zealand in more than a decade.
The new facility will be built at BOC’s existing Sockburn production and logistics site and is expected to produce up to 30 tonnes per day of combined liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen.
The project is intended to strengthen long-term supply of industrial and medical gases across New Zealand while supporting industries including healthcare, food production, manufacturing and emerging aerospace and high-technology sectors.
Cory Spence, director of Linde New Zealand and Pacific Islands, says the investment reflects growing demand and the importance of supply resilience within New Zealand.
“BOC is thrilled to be making this new investment in our South Island operations to secure supply of essential industrial gases used in healthcare, food production and industrial applications in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands,” Spence says.
The Christchurch facility will complement BOC’s existing air separation unit at Glenbrook, which currently produces much of New Zealand’s medical oxygen supply.
According to Spence, distributing production capability across both islands will also reduce transport requirements and supply chain risk.
“Diversifying production across Glenbrook and Christchurch will also eliminate up to 1,000 inter-island tanker shipments annually, reducing transport emissions and risk associated with long-distance supply chains,” he says.
Spence says the investment will also support regional employment during the construction and installation phases.
“During construction, we will create local jobs and invest in the Canterbury economy through civil works, mechanical and electrical installation, local contractors, logistics and ongoing maintenance services.”
South Island minister James Meager says the investment represents a significant commitment to Christchurch and the wider South Island economy.
“This multi-million-dollar investment is a major vote of confidence in Christchurch and the wider South Island economy. It will strengthen the supply of essential gases that underpin healthcare and manufacturing, while also creating jobs during construction and supporting future growth in advanced industries.”
Construction and engineering of the facility will be delivered by Linde Engineering in partnership with BOC. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the new ASU expected to be operational in 2027.