Air Products

Overview

Air Products is an American chemical company that specializes in the production of essential gases, Oxygen, and other industrial products. The company was founded in 1969 by David E. Aylward and has since grown to become one of the largest independent gas suppliers in the world.

History

Air Products was formed through the merger of two companies: Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. (AP&CC) and Gaseous Research Corporation (GRC). The AP&CC company was founded in 1957 by Aylward and his wife, Mary Ann Wilson, who were both chemists at DuPont. The GRC company was founded in the early 1960s as a research and development center for gas utilization technologies.

In 1969, AP&CC acquired GRC, and the two companies merged to form Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. The merger created a more diversified chemical company with a strong focus on industrial gases.

Products

Air Products is one of the largest suppliers of essential gases in the world. Its product portfolio includes:

  • Oxygen: Air Products produces Oxygen through electrolysis and other processes. It supplies Oxygen to power plants, medical facilities, and industrial customers.
  • Lithium Hydroxide: The company manufactures Lithium Hydroxide, a key ingredient in batteries for electric vehicles and consumer electronics.
  • Silicon Dioxide: Air Products produces Silicon Dioxide (sand) through its silicon metal production process. Silicon is used in a wide range of applications, including concrete, glass, and electronics.
  • Tetrachloromethane: The company’s Tetrachloromethane division supplies this chemical intermediate for various industrial applications, including plastics and coatings.

Operations

Air Products operates over 100 facilities worldwide, with major production centers in:

  • Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA: This is the company’s largest global manufacturing site, producing Oxygen, Silicon Dioxide, and other products.
  • Frisco, Texas, USA: Air Products has a significant presence in this facility, which produces Tetrachloromethane and other chemicals.
  • Halden, Norway: The company operates its Titanium production facility in Halden, using Titanium metal produced locally.

Sustainability

Air Products has made efforts to reduce its environmental impact through various initiatives, including:

  • Renewable Energy: The company aims to power 100% of its facilities with Renewable Energy by 2025.
  • Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Air Products is working on a CCS project at one of its facilities in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
  • Waste reduction: The company has implemented recycling programs and waste reduction initiatives throughout its operations.

Financials

Air Products reported revenue of \(14.6 billion in 2020 and net income of \)1.4 billion. The company’s stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol APO.

See Also

  • Chemical industry: Air Products is part of the global chemical industry, which includes companies that produce chemicals for various applications.
  • Oxygen supply: Air Products supplies Oxygen to power plants, medical facilities, and industrial customers worldwide.
  • Industrial gases: The company’s products are used in a wide range of industrial applications.

References

  • Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.: Annual Reports
  • Air Products Corporation: Investor Relations
  • Company website: airproducts.com