13 May 1999: US-based Praxair, Inc., the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, has notified its customers in the United States that it will increase prices for liquid hydrogen b…
13 May 1999: US-based Praxair, Inc., the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, has notified its customers in the United States that it will increase prices for liquid hydrogen by 5-8% effective 1 June 1999. The specific amount of the increase will vary depending on regional supply situations and specific contract terms. Praxair also announced it will reduce or eliminate price discounts for liquid argon, carbon dioxide, helium, nitrogen, and oxygen. “Demand for liquid hydrogen by our commercial customers is near historical highs,” said Ricardo Malfitano, president of Praxair North American industrial gases. “In addition, supply has tightened for bulk liquid products and carbon dioxide in certain regions of the US.” In recent years, Praxair has invested more than US$ 1 billion in the US to build, upgrade and maintain its supply capabilities. The company has nearly tripled its liquid hydrogen capacity since 1990 and today operates four liquid hydrogen plants, located in East Chicago, Indiana; McIntosh, Alabama; Niagara Falls, New York; and Ontario, California. The company has also implemented programmes to improve distribution logistics and inventory management that help customers save money on their industrial gas deliveries. Praxair continues to lower its production costs through a variety of productivity and procurement initiatives, including a dedicated energy management department to manage electricity, which is the company“s largest variable production cost. In 1998, the company had sales of US$ 4.8 billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric and process gases, and high-performance surface coatings.