Reporting on the business and technologies
driving today's global industrial gas industry

Each year, CryoGas International takes an in-depth look at the US industrial gas market, which comprises about 28 percent of the worldwide market for gases. This year we look at how macroeconomic trends in 2008 have impacted the industrial gas market segments including primary metals, fabrication, chemicals, petroleum products, food, and more. We also review the market position of the six major players in the US gas business including Airgas (www.airgas.com), Air Liquide (www.airliquide.com), Air Products (www.airproducts.com), Praxair (www.praxair.com), Linde (www.linde.com), and Matheson Tri-Gas (www.mathesontrigas.com).

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Demand for argon continues to be tight but is slackening with the current recession. Additionally, the supply of argon is compromised by the slowdown in steel and chemical processing. Argon is sourced from the large air separation units that supply these sectors, many of which are not operating a full capacity or have been shut down. This article explores all facets of the argon market from sourcing to demand trends, markets, and applications.

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The Bottom Line is profit made by subtracting all costs and expenses from revenue. This article discusses how a typical independent distributor can significantly impact their bottom line by using a method called Lean Operating Principles. Paul Matlock of TAP Resources (www.tapresources.biz) is an advocate of Lean Thinking—reducing costs through small changes in a supply chain. He explains how distributors can reduce costs through process improvements.

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In this article, Fred H. Siemer picks up a theme from an earlier article which explores the effects of the drastic decline in the stock market overall and the unjustified relative decline in industrial gas stocks. He also goes on to explore unique characteristics of this recession in comparison to past recessions.  Furthermore, he explains why there are positive investment possibilities for gas companies relative to chemical companies.

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