Baker Hughes has expanded its Integrated Compressor Line (ICL) testing and production facility in Le Creusot, France, aiming to double production capacity for its zero-emission ICL technology and strengthen manufacturing capabilities for lower-carbon energy applications.
The expansion, previously announced in 2025 and operated
through the company’s French subsidiary Thermodyn, includes dedicated
variable-speed drive systems, upgraded testing positions, a new low-speed
balancing machine, a furnace and a machining centre.
The upgraded testing facility was officially unveiled on
Friday during a visit by French Minister Delegate for Industry Sébastien
Martin, Le Creusot Mayor Charles Landre and Creusot Montceau Urban Community
President Isabelle Louis, alongside Baker Hughes executives and employees.
“This milestone represents a significant step forward for
Baker Hughes, enabling us to serve our customers more efficiently through the
expansion of our production and testing facilities in Europe, to support a more
sustainable energy future,” said Ahmed Eldemerdash, vice president, Climate
Technology Solutions at Baker Hughes. “Demand continues to grow for solutions
that improve reliability, performance, efficiency and sustainability. Meeting
that demand requires more than just innovative products, but also the ability
to design, deliver, assemble and test those solutions at scale.”
The ICL compressor is designed to operate without
operational emissions and oil lubrication requirements.
Powered by an electric motor, it has a footprint up to 60
per cent smaller than a conventional compressor and requires minimal
maintenance downtime, supporting high equipment availability and operational
efficiency.
The dedicated testing facility plays a key role in
validating compressor systems before deployment at customer sites, helping
ensure performance and reliability.
“This milestone for the Baker Hughes Le Creusot facility is a powerful example of how innovation and investment can strengthen France’s manufacturing base while supporting the development of lower-emission technologies,” said Sébastien Martin, French Minister Delegate for Industry. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service