Month: August 2019

The FDA and state regulations recognize the traditional distribution of typical prescription drugs: This distribution model works well for traditional drugs. The FDA, state Boards of Pharmacy and regulations are well structured to efficiently manage traditional pharmaceuticals. These structures are not necessarily perfectly formed for medical gas distribution. From the drug manufacturer to the wholesale drug  distributor to the pharmacy to the patient. Typical pharmaceuticals are: Relatively dangerous Expensive Have a container that is inexpensive and disposable Subject to counterfeiting for economic advantage Subject to diversion from established distribution channels to internet and unlicensed sales Manufactured by relatively few, large…

Promoting the safe operation and economic vitality of distributors of industrial gases and related welding equipment and supplies is GAWDA’s mission. Providing educational and training opportunities within that industry tops the organization’s list of ways to accomplish this. One of the current challenges our nation faces is a shortage of skilled workers — in particular, welders and fabricators. With welding an integral part of so many manufacturing processes, from building tunnels to launching spacecraft, trained and certified welders are critical to our economy. GAWDA is well aware of the talent shortage, and a unique training facility in California called Workshops…

The use of liquid nitrogen (LIN) in the food and beverage industry and for personal cryotherapy applications has increased significantly over the past several years.  This “near consumer use” of LIN presents particular issues of safety and liability exposure for gas distributors. Many of the major gas suppliers have stopped selling to cryotherapy facilities, citing too much risk.  Other companies see this growing industry as a significant opportunity to grow their business.  GAWDA members who sell to this market should be aware of the risks presented by this product, especially as customers and consumers handling LIN might lack experience and…

Thank you to Jay Kapur, Aimtek, Inc., Frank Vargas, Uniweld Products, Rafael Arvelo, Equigas, Inc., and Cassandra Barry, Ray Murray, Inc. for providing these pictures of the 2019 GAWDA Northeast Regional Meeting

Canadian clean technology innovator CarbonCure Technologies and Linde, the world’s largest industrial gas supplier, have partnered to introduce the award-winning CarbonCure Technology to Europe, Southeast Asia and Oceania. The alliance will allow CarbonCure to accelerate international adoption of CarbonCure’s turnkey carbon solution for the concrete industry. The CarbonCure Technology enhances the competitiveness of the concrete industry through improved production efficiency and sustainability. The technology injects a precise dosage of captured waste carbon dioxide (CO2) into concrete during production. Once introduced, the CO2 chemically converts to a nano-mineral, creating manufacturing efficiencies while reducing the concrete’s carbon footprint. This enables private and…

Air Products announced it has completed the acquisition of General Electric Company’s (“GE”) gasification business from GE Power. Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed. “The successful acquisition of the GE gasification technology further supports our long-term, strategic focus on gasification. This acquisition, combined with our other capabilities, gives us the ability to provide a complete solution to our customers, including financing, technology, engineering, construction, and operation of large syngas projects. We welcome the experienced and talented GE gasification team and look forward to supporting them to further grow the business,” said Seifi Ghasemi, chairman, president and chief…

With effect from 1 August 2019, Messer Industries has divested itself of Messer Danmark A/S, based in Kolding. The buyer is the Danish competitor Christian Nielsen Strandmøllen A/S. View other August 15 news items • The Harris Products Group Expands Specialty Gas Solutions • Rodney Huber Announced as President of Huber Supply Company • Anova Welcomes William Kroll as its First Advisor • ABICOR BINZEL Adds new District Sales Manager • Messer Sells Business in Denmark • Air Products Completes Acquisition of GE’s Gasification Business and Technology • Linde Enters Strategic Alliance with CarbonCure

ABICOR BINZEL has added Tanner Skalla to their outside Sales Team. Tanner comes to ABICOR BINZEL after completing a double program in Welding Fabrication and Technology Management as well as Business Administration from Brigham Young University. Tanner will based in Colorado in his new role, covering areas from New Mexico to Montana. Says BINZEL USA Sales Director Larry Cassesa: “I’m excited to have Tanner join the team. He brings an excellent skill set, and will provide our customers the support and knowledge they need to maintain their edge. We are very happy to have Tanner’s energy and enthusiasm on our…

Anova announced that it has appointed industry veteran, William (Bill) Kroll, as its first advisor to support the company through a period of immense expansion. In April of this year, Anova became the new name for DataOnline, WESROC, Wikon and iTank, and most recently joined forces with Portugal-based Intelligent Sensing Anywhere (ISA). With over 40 years of experience, Bill brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise spanning nearly every facet of business. Having spent more than half of his career with Matheson, most recently as Chairman and CEO, Bill is the epitome of a dynamic leader. During his years with…

Rodney Huber was named President of Huber Supply Company as part of the company’s transition plan. The move was effective August 7. Cal Huber will succeed Rodney as the Vice President of Operations, while Nicole Smith was named VP of Administration, which will see her take on managing office/administration functions. Huber Supply has worked with Advance Iowa – Family Business Forum, an organization through the University of Iowa, to help manage the transition. “As part of the transition plan, it was important to name the eventual successor and make sure that roles were clearly defined in our company as we…

The Harris Products Group announced it has expanded its specialty gas products business to better serve customers in this rapidly growing sector. To meet the high standards required for manufacturing specialty gas products, Harris has extensively invested in its Gainesville, Georgia, operation to provide new turnkey gas distribution solutions that include in-house engineering design, manufacturing, testing and fulfillment of a full spectrum of standard and customized products at exceptional speeds. To help distributors support spec gas customers, the Harris customer service team now provides application recommendations for the most appropriate spec gas regulator from among the thousands of potential configurations.…

Lincoln Electric introduces the new LN-25X, a portable industrial wire feeder with CrossLinc and True Voltage Technology (TVT). Designed for construction, pipe, metal fabrication, shipbuilding and rental fleet applications, this product provides greater control with fewer cables to drastically reduce movement. With safety and efficiency top of the mind, the LN-25X is designed with a variety of enhanced features to improve the welder’s experience, whether they’re in a shipyard or 100 feet off the ground. Features include: • Adjustable wire run-in speed for softer starting • Arc hours meter • Bright digital meters for easy viewing, even in bright sunlight…