(Reuters) -- Bechtel Corporation and Linde AG announced today they will work together to expand and build ethylene cracker plants in North America. The combination of Bechtel's unmatched engineering, procurement, and direct-hire construction (EPC) capabilities and Linde's proven ethylene technology provides customers a complete EPC/Technology provider.
The alliance builds on the companies' previous work together at the Borouge petrochemicals complex in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Together, they performed engineering, procurement, construction, and start-up for the ethylene plant, off-site facilities, and utilities at the complex, which was successfully completed on schedule in February 2002.
⌠With the growth in shale gas production in North America, ethylene producers are planning new grass-roots projects and major expansions, and they need a world-class team to deliver them. The agreement between Bechtel and Linde creates that team, said Jack Futcher, president of Bechtel's Oil, Gas & Chemicals unit. ⌠Linde's record of success makes the company a strong partner for Bechtel. We are thrilled to be working with them again.