Air Liquide Group, the world's largest industrial gas producer by revenue, is launching the second phase of its Tengfei II investment plan in China this year, to meet growing demand for oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and other gases.

The French company launched Tengfei I in 2007. It decided to invest 300 million euros ($393.6 million) and recruit 500 new staff each year in the mainland market. It now has 4,000 employees operating 64 plants in 16 provinces.

Remi Charachon, president of Air Liquide (China) Holding Co Ltd, said the Tengfei II program will run through 2020, with investment at the same or higher level each year. The company will pay special attention to the West and Northwest regions.