Linde North America has completed its new specialty gases plant in Hammond, Indiana. The plant, representing a significant investment, complements the current industrial and medical gas filling facilities and distribution activities in operation at the site.
The new plant produces medical, oxidizing, inert gases and blends along with specialty gas mixtures for scientific and research applications. These products are intended for both domestic and international markets. Bob VanKirk, head of key customers and distributors for Linde North America, said, "This plant is right in line with our goal to be a total gas supplier and reinforces our commitment to Linde's independent distributor network, which will have the ability to serve high quality products to a broad range of end users."
The major users for specialty gases are laboratories, universities, power plants, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Jeffrey Leist, project manager for the new Linde plant, said, "The specialty gases plant will serve as a production hub for Linde's U.S. distributor business as well as for specialty medical gases for Linde's LifeGas unit which services the healthcare industry."
The plant includes the main inert gas and oxidant gas production room. The individual production areas use new semi-automated filling technology. Finally, the new plant also houses a state-of-the-art analytical laboratory with a wide range of specialized and automated sampling systems to assure the quality control necessary to efficiently monitor the new filling processes and analyses of gases produced.
"We employed local contractors from the Hammond/Chicago area for each stage of the project," said Leist. "That includes engineering design, building construction and fill systems installation. The plant also reflects Linde's commitment to safety and is equipped with the top-of-the-line plant and employee safety systems and equipment. All specialty gas filling equipment for the new plant is made here in the U.S."
About Linde in North America
The Linde Group is a world-leading gases and engineering company with around 63,000 employees in more than 100 countries worldwide. In the 2012 financial year, Linde generated revenue of EUR 15.280 bn (USD 19.9 bn). The strategy of the Group is geared towards long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment – in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The company is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.
Source: http://www.lindeus.com