Air Products and Chemicals

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., founded in 1940 by Leonard P. Pool in Detroit, Michigan, is a major global supplier of industrial gases and chemicals. Originally focused on oxygen generators for military use, the company later expanded, establishing headquarters in Trexlertown, Pennsylvania, where it remains today. It serves multiple sectors, including technology, energy, healthcare, food, and manufacturing, supplying gases like oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide, along with equipment and speciality chemicals.

Air Products has a strong record in sustainability. It has supported NASA for over five decades by providing hydrogen for shuttle and rocket launches. The company engages in major projects related to clean hydrogen, aiming to reduce carbon emissions in heavy industries and transportation. Recently, Air Products announced a 15-year deal with TotalEnergies to supply green hydrogen for European refineries starting in 2030. This aligns with its carbon reduction target of one-third by 2030 from a 2015 baseline.

In recent years, Air Products has implemented a strategic Five-Point Plan, focusing on safety, profitability, inclusion, and sustainability. This plan has driven growth in hydrogen megaprojects, carbon capture, and industrial gas solutions. The company divested non-core segments, including its Performance Materials division in 2017 and LNG business in 2024, to concentrate on its core industrial gas business and clean energy projects.

In 2024, Air Products reported a revenue of $12.6 billion with around 23,000 employees globally. The company has also been recognised for its diversity efforts, achieving top rankings in Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity. Recent strategic steps include the sale of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) process technology and equipment business to Honeywell for $1.81 billion, aligning with its focus on core industrial gases and clean hydrogen.

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. was founded in 1940 by Leonard Parker Pool in Detroit, Michigan, based on the idea of producing and selling industrial gases directly on customers' sites. The company initially supplied oxygen generators for the U.S. military during World War II, which were essential for high-altitude flights. 

In 1944, Air Products moved its headquarters to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to meet the increasing demand for oxygen production. After the war, the company relocated to the Lehigh Valley in eastern Pennsylvania, where it set up operations and eventually established its permanent headquarters in Trexlertown by the late 1950s.

In the 1950s, Air Products expanded its product line to include nitrogen and hydrogen, creating a foundation for its future as a key player in the industrial gas market. 

By the late 1960s, it was diversifying into the chemical industry, acquiring companies like the Houdry Process Company in 1962 and listing on the New York Stock Exchange. The company continued to grow globally, entering markets in Europe, South Africa, and Asia through various joint ventures.

In the 1980s, Air Products expanded its electronics and chemical offerings and invested in environmental technologies, including hydrogen production for refineries. The following decade saw further international expansion with acquisitions in Spain, and Korea, and partnerships in Asia to serve the semiconductor industry. The company’s development of nitrogen trifluoride became crucial for semiconductor production.

The 2000s marked significant growth in liquefied natural gas (LNG) technology, and the company introduced high-capacity heat exchangers for natural gas liquefaction. Air Products also launched hydrogen fuel stations to support clean energy initiatives. 

In 2010, it received large-scale orders for oxygen production in China, supporting coal gasification projects.

Under Seifi Ghasemi, who became CEO in 2014, Air Products implemented a Five-Point Plan that focused on core industrial gas production and divested non-core assets like its Performance Materials division in 2017 and LNG process technology business in 2024. 

The company now focuses on hydrogen projects to support global decarbonisation efforts, such as its clean hydrogen production facilities in Louisiana, Canada, and Saudi Arabia, where it supplies green hydrogen.

In recent years, Air Products has continued its commitment to sustainability, setting a goal to reduce carbon intensity by one-third by 2030. The company operates in over 50 countries with a workforce of around 23,000 and has made diversity and inclusion part of its core strategy, aiming to increase female and minority representation in managerial roles by 2025. It was also recognised by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for Diversity in 2023, ranking fourth.

Today, Air Products stands as a leading industrial gas and chemical company, with a significant focus on clean energy and industrial gas solutions for sectors ranging from manufacturing to transportation. Its latest work includes a 15-year green hydrogen supply agreement with TotalEnergies to help decarbonise European refineries, cementing its role in the energy transition. The company’s new headquarters in Trexlertown reflects its ongoing mission to support a cleaner future.

Air Products aims to be the world’s safest, most diverse, and most profitable industrial gas company. It focuses on providing excellent service and innovative solutions to its customers while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. The company strives to advance clean energy projects, including hydrogen production, to reduce carbon emissions and support global decarbonisation efforts. Air Products’ mission also includes creating a work environment where employees feel valued and motivated. By using its expertise in industrial gases and working closely with various industries, the company seeks to enhance operational efficiency and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable world.

Air Products’ vision is to lead the industrial gas industry by driving growth through sustainable practices and innovative solutions. The company aims to support global efforts to achieve environmental and energy goals by focusing on clean hydrogen and carbon capture technologies. It envisions being a key partner to customers in improving their sustainability, operational efficiency, and environmental impact. Air Products aspires to build a culture that promotes safety, inclusivity, and respect, fostering a diverse workforce that contributes to its success. Through strategic investments and technological advancements, the company intends to create long-term value for stakeholders and contribute to a better future.

In 2021, the company was honoured with the Best Carbon Management Initiative Award for its net-zero hydrogen energy complex in Alberta, Canada. In 2023, Air Products was named one of America's Best Employers for Diversity by Forbes magazine, ranking fourth overall and first in its industry group. Additionally, in 2024, the company earned an 'A' rating on MSCI's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Ratings, reflecting its commitment to sustainability. These accolades highlight Air Products and Chemicals' dedication to environmental responsibility and fostering an inclusive workplace.

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. is a leading global company that specialises in industrial gases, speciality chemicals, and related equipment. Operating in over 50 countries, Air Products and Chemicals serves various industries, including technology, energy, healthcare, food processing, and manufacturing. Here’s an in-depth look at the products and services offered by Air Products and Chemicals.

Industrial gases by Air Products and Chemicals

The core of Air Products and Chemicals' business lies in the production and supply of industrial gases. Key products include oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide. These gases are essential in many industrial processes, such as combustion, inerting, cooling, and freezing. Industries that benefit from these gases include steelmaking, electronics, food packaging, and healthcare. Air Products and Chemicals also provide speciality gases, like carbon monoxide, for chemical production, and rare gases such as neon, krypton, and xenon for use in the electronics and lighting sectors.

Hydrogen solutions from Air Products and Chemicals

Air Products and Chemicals is recognised globally for its hydrogen solutions. As a leader in hydrogen production and distribution, the company supports clean energy initiatives and zero-emission transportation. Hydrogen from Air Products and Chemicals is used in refineries to purify fuels and in industrial applications as a reactive and protective agent. The company also leads major hydrogen projects, including large-scale facilities in Louisiana, Canada, and Saudi Arabia, aimed at meeting the rising demand for clean energy and aiding decarbonisation efforts.

On-site gas generation by Air Products and Chemicals

Air Products and Chemicals provide on-site gas generation systems, allowing businesses to produce gases like nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen directly at their facilities. These on-site systems offer cost-effective, uninterrupted gas supply and help reduce transport and storage needs. Such systems are valuable for industries requiring continuous gas supply for their operations.

LNG technology by Air Products and Chemicals

Air Products and Chemicals has been an industry leader in liquefied natural gas (LNG) technology, producing innovative cryogenic equipment and heat exchangers for efficient gas liquefaction. Although Air Products and Chemicals completed the sale of its LNG technology and equipment business in 2024, its legacy in LNG solutions and advanced heat exchangers remains well-regarded in the field.

Speciality chemicals and performance materials from Air Products and Chemicals

Air Products and Chemicals has a history of producing speciality chemicals and performance materials that benefit multiple industries, including construction, automotive, and electronics. Although it divested its Performance Materials division in 2017, Air Products and Chemicals was known for products such as epoxy additives, advanced coatings, and adhesives.

Gas equipment and management services

Air Products and Chemicals supplies equipment to handle and store gases, including gas cabinets and storage solutions. Its MEGASYS® Total Gas Management Services cater to industries like electronics and semiconductors, ensuring efficient gas supply and management.

Emergency gas solutions by Air Products and Chemicals

Air Products and Chemicals provides Air Products Express Services (APEX) for short-term and emergency gas needs. This service offers reliable and fast gas supply during plant maintenance, unexpected shutdowns, or additional capacity requirements.

Sustainability and environmental efforts of Air Products and Chemicals

Air Products and Chemicals is committed to sustainability. The company supports carbon capture technology and renewable energy projects, aiding industries in adopting cleaner processes and reducing emissions. Through its clean hydrogen projects and carbon capture technologies, Air Products and Chemicals plays a significant role in helping industries meet their sustainability goals.