Messer to open $70 million industrial gas plant in Berryville in 2026
Bridgewater, N.J.-based industrial gas company Messer will invest more than $70 million to build an air separation unit (ASU) in Berryville, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission announced Tuesday (Jan. 14).
The new plant is expected to address the growing demand for industrial gases in the southern part of the United States. Gases the company produces include oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, helium, and hydrogen.
“Our new ASU in Berryville underscores Messer’s commitment to fueling growth in the South,” said Elena Skvortsova, president and CEO of Messer Americas. “This investment reflects our dedication to providing a dependable supply of industrial gases like oxygen and nitrogen to meet the evolving needs of our customers in food and beverage, healthcare, metals, chemicals and many more industries. I also would like to note that Messer appreciates the working relationship with the city of Berryville. Without their dedication to this project, it would not have been possible.”
The new plant is expected to open in the second half of 2026. It will employ more than 20 people and provide temporary jobs during construction. The new plant will complement the company’s existing Lewisville, Ark., facility to enhance production capacity and meet the rising gas demand. The new ASU will be built on 25 acres, and the plant, including the cold box, tanks and administrative buildings will occupy about 18 acres of that.
“On behalf of the city of Berryville, we are excited to welcome Messer to our community,” said Berryville Mayor Tim McKinney. “They bring cutting edge technology, high-quality jobs, and most importantly additional people to call Berryville home. We look forward to developing a great partnership with Messer as they establish presence in our community.”
According to the release, Messer Americas sales comprise 52% of Messer’s global sales of $4.7 billion. Messer is the world’s largest privately held industrial gas business and a leading industrial and medical gas company in North America, South America, Asia and Europe. Messer has more than 125 years of experience in industrial, medical, specialty and electronics gases. The company offers gases, related services and technology via its production and distribution network.
“Congratulations to the city of Berryville for Messer’s $70 million investment – our state’s first major jobs announcement of 2025,” said Gov. Sarah Sanders. “Thank you, Messer, for choosing the Natural State and helping make our economy stronger than ever.”