In September, the Cryoinfra 50,000 Nm³/h air separation cold box and atmospheric storage tank installation project in Mexico successfully achieved intermediate handover, laying a solid foundation for subsequent trial runs and operation. As the first overseas project undertaken through the collaboration between China National Chemical Engineering Sixth Construction Co., Ltd. (CNCEC CC6) and Hangyang Group, the project is located in the industrial zone of Monterrey, Mexico. It covers the installation of key equipment, including the air separation cold box and atmospheric storage tanks. With construction spanning both the rainy and hot seasons, the project featured complex site conditions and stringent technical requirements.
Guided by the goals of delivering high-quality overseas projects, nurturing outstanding talent, and improving lean management, CC6 implemented thorough risk management and fostered collaboration with local partners. Through these efforts, the company brought Chinese engineering expertise to Mexico’s energy and chemical industries. The project served not only as a test of the company’s ability to expand into international markets, but also as an important platform for demonstrating the capabilities of Chinese construction and advancing the Belt and Road Initiative.
Strategic Significance: A Golden Key to the Latin American Market
The air separation equipment deployed in this project represents the largest-capacity air separation unit exported from China to Mexico. The project also marks CC6’s first entry into Mexico’s high-end industrial gas market. Upon completion, the facility will provide a stable supply of industrial gases to the industrial corridor in northeastern Mexico while giving the company valuable experience for undertaking future large-scale petrochemical projects in Latin America.
Through close collaboration with Hangyang Group, the two companies have developed complementary strengths across the entire industrial chain, from design and manufacturing to installation. The cooperation provides a strong example of Chinese high-end equipment entering international markets and enhances the global recognition of the “Chinese Construction” brand, serving as a key to expanding into the Latin American market.
Delivering an Exemplary Project Through End-to-End Control
To address the complexities of overseas project execution, CC6’s First Branch established an end-to-end management system centered on meticulous planning, precision, and operational excellence.
Regarding schedule management, the team coordinated visa processing and logistics in parallel. Visa pre-screening for personnel began three months in advance, while the progress of equipment shipments by sea was tracked simultaneously. A weekly coordination and monthly review mechanism was established to ensure seamless coordination between the delivery of critical equipment and construction activities. The team also adopted modular assembly techniques for the cold box steel structure, shifting work at height to ground-level prefabrication and reducing the risks associated with simultaneous operations.
Regarding quality management, the team benchmarked its work against international standards and organized systematic training on Mexico’s industrial installation regulations. A dual-inspection system was implemented for critical processes, with both Chinese and local personnel jointly overseeing quality. The Owner maintained exceptionally stringent quality requirements and its staff climbed the cold box to inspect details such as pipe supports, welds, and valves. Through meticulous execution, the Chinese team achieved a first-pass acceptance rate of 99.2% for pipeline welding, while critical indicators, including equipment cleanliness and pressure-test tightness, met the required standards with a 100% compliance rate. These results earned the Owner’s recognition for the team’s professionalism.
Regarding HSE management, the team adopted an approach that integrated international HSE practices with local requirements. Dedicated interpreters were assigned, bilingual safety coordination meetings were held daily, and high-risk activities were subject to a dual-approval work permit process. Drainage improvements were completed before the rainy season, while flexible working hours and heat-relief measures were introduced during periods of extreme heat. By strictly complying with environmental regulations, the project achieved zero accidents and zero pollution, while reducing overall energy consumption by 15% compared with the industry benchmark.
Professional Excellence Builds Recognition in the Local Market
Throughout project execution, CC6’s First Branch earned recognition from multiple stakeholders through its professional, efficient, and responsible approach, gradually establishing a strong new image for Chinese construction companies in overseas markets. During a mid-project evaluation, Cryoinfra stated that the Chinese team’s technical capabilities and management standards had set a new benchmark for industrial projects in Mexico.
The project also served as a platform for developing future talent. Through a mentoring system pairing experienced employees with younger colleagues, a number of young employees gained valuable international project experience and developed rapidly in a practical overseas environment, building a talent pipeline for the company’s future international projects. Zhang Shuaike, an E&I engineer on the project, was among those who benefited from this experience. During instrumentation commissioning, written SOPs covering the entire commissioning process were required. For every pressure instrument, level instrument, and control valve, all documentation—from calibration records and measurement-point registers to witness signatures from multiple parties—had to correspond precisely to the actual equipment installed on site. Through his overseas experience, Zhang developed the habit of jointly maintaining test data and photographic records with the Owner’s representatives. He is now able to proactively support the Owner in completing acceptance inspections for electrical and instrumentation systems.
Cultural Exchange Strengthens Sino-Mexican Collaboration
As the project team settled into a smooth working rhythm, communication between Chinese and Mexican workers deepened, strengthening both professional cooperation and personal friendships. On November 29, 2025, the Owner arranged for Mexican chefs to prepare local specialties, including tacos and steak, at the project site. In return, the Chinese team’s chefs prepared traditional Chinese dishes such as braised pork and mapo tofu. The two sides shared a lively cultural exchange through food. Language barriers gave way to shared enjoyment, and cooperation on the project grew stronger amid laughter and conversation. One engineer from Hubei Province remarked with a smile, “Seeing our Mexican colleagues pick up chopsticks to enjoy Wuchang fish from my hometown made me feel as though a warm home-cooked meal had eased my homesickness.” This culinary exchange brought a sense of home to life and work far from their respective countries and helped lay an even stronger foundation for future cross-cultural collaboration.
Building on the success of this project, CC6’s First Branch will continue to deepen its presence in international markets. Guided by the principle of “delivering quality projects, building lasting landmarks, and forging eternal friendships”, the company aims to further demonstrate the capabilities of Chinese construction across Latin America and contribute to the region’s industrial development.
