Praxair Expands Production in Washington and Minnesota

Praxair, Inc. (PX:NYSE) will add capacity at its bulk atmospheric gases production facilities in Fife, Washington, and Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, in order to meet growing demand in those regions.

Praxair will add 310 tons per day of liquid production capacity at its Fife, Washington, manufacturing facility which produces oxygen, nitrogen and argon. The added production is slated to begin mid-2009.

“Our decision to move ahead with this expansion is based on continued demand for our products in the high-economic-growth area of the Pacific Northwest as well as our commitment to grow and support Praxair’s operations in the British Columbia, Canada, market,” said Scott Kaltrider, regional vice president-West for Praxair’s North American Industrial Gases business unit. “Adding to our decision is the fact that Praxair has an established long-term competitive supply of power in this region.”

Praxair will also add 150 tons per day of capacity to its Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, facility in order to meet demand from oxygen pipeline and merchant customers. The added capacity is expected to be available in the second half of 2008.

“Our expanding base business and robust pipeline volume growth were drivers to add this capacity,” said Kevin Foti, regional vice president-North for Praxair’s North American Industrial Gases business unit. “In addition to Minnesota, this expansion increases our ability to serve the growing Midwest market including Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin and the Dakotas.”