Year: 2018

Linde Purchase of Praxair Inc. Finalized Linde has announced that it has received approval from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to acquire Praxair, Inc., clearing the last hurdle in the estimated $90 billion-dollar merger. With over 80,000 employees in more than 100 countries, this makes Linde the largest company in the global industrial gas business. In order to receive approval, Linde agreed to sell its U.S. bulk business as well as certain carbon monoxide, hydrogen and steam methane reforming businesses. The divestitures must occur by January 29, 2019, and until then, Linde and Praxair will continue to operate their businesses…

GAWDA Comments on FMCSA Hours of Service Rulemaking GAWDA filed comments on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on driver hours of service regulations. On Aug. 23, 2018, the agency published its ANPRM in response to widespread Congressional, industry, and citizen concerns over the HOS rules. See 83 Fed. Reg. 42631. The notice sought feedback from the public to determine if HOS revisions may alleviate unnecessary burdens placed on drivers while maintaining safety on our nation’s highways and roads. The four specific areas under consideration for revision are: Expanding the current 100 air-mile “short-haul” exemption for…

Atlas Welding Reports Two New Hires Atlas Welding Supply Company recently added two new employees to its sales team. Ryas Esdale has joined the sales team as an inside sales representative and marketing associate. Ryas will increase communication and sales with clients as well posting relevant information via social media and Atlas’ website. Ryas is originally from Birmingham, AL, and graduated from the University of Alabama with a BS in marketing. Patrick Visintainer has also joined the Atlas sales team. Patrick will strategically manage and grow all medical and scientific gas accounts. Patrick is originally from Birmingham, AL and graduated…

CGA to Offer Technical Webinars The Compressed Gas Association has announced its first series of technical webinars on the history of acetylene and its properties and handling calcium carbide. The series begins with three one-hour webinars on: General History of Acetylene and Its Properties, Part 1 (October 18) General History of Acetylene and Its Properties, Part 2 (October 25) History and Current Practices for Handling Calcium Carbide (November 1) The cost is only $25 per person/per webinar. Register for all three and save 20%. Save even more if your company registers four or more employees. Audience level: Non-technical/entry level (little…

Phoenix International Offers New Flux Oven Phoenix International is now offering the latest in flux oven technology — the 250FX. Phoenix flux ovens are designed for long-term storage of bulk flux to provide a consistent flux temperature throughout the oven chamber. This new product offers a modern design that ensures easy dispensing. Dick Wilkinson, managing director, described the 250FX as “a new option for submerged arc welding.” The 250FX has a 250-pound flux capacity and a temperature range up to 750 degrees F. It offers a digital thermometer and adjustable digital thermostat. The 250FX is 3,000W, 110/220V and has a…

Phoenix Teams Up with JMC to Expand Presence The Phoenix Company, parent company of Phoenix International, has announced a new partnership with JMC Capital Partners of Boston, Massachusetts. George Wordingham, president and fourth-generation owner of Phoenix has announced his retirement and confirmed the sale of his share of the company to JMC. “I’m happy to be putting Phoenix in a position for long-term growth while also preserving the importance of its history in the industries we’ve served for decades. The trust our customers have in us is something money can’t buy, so it’s important to everyone to keep this story…

FMCSA Issues Final Rule on Drivers with Diabetes The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has published a final rule to permit individuals with a stable insulin regimen and properly controlled insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) to be qualified to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. See 83 Fed. Reg. 47486 (September 19, 2018). Previously, ITDM individuals were prohibited from driving CMVs in interstate commerce unless they obtained an exemption from FMCSA. This rule enables a certified medical examiner to grant an ITDM individual a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, MCSA–5876, for up to a maximum of 12 months. To do so, the…