Linde

Linde, a multinational industrial gases company headquartered in Munich, Germany, boasts a rich history and a distinguished reputation as a leading supplier of industrial gases and engineering solutions. Founded in 2018 as a result of the merger between Linde AG and Praxair Inc., two renowned companies in the gases and engineering sector, Linde has since continued to establish itself as a global industry leader, serving customers in a wide range of industries around the world.

As one of the largest suppliers of industrial gases, Linde provides its customers with a comprehensive portfolio of products and services, including oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide, as well as a range of special gases. The company's industrial gases are utilized across a broad spectrum of applications, from medical treatments to food preservation, from energy production to chemical manufacturing, and beyond.

In addition to its gases portfolio, Linde also offers a wide range of engineering and technology solutions for the gases industry. The company's innovative systems for the production, storage, and distribution of industrial gases are highly regarded, and are used by customers around the world to improve the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of their operations.

With production facilities, research and development centers, and sales and distribution networks spanning over 60 countries, Linde is a truly global enterprise. The company's commitment to sustainability and innovation is reflected in its investments in cutting-edge technology, as well as its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and promote the use of renewable energy sources.

As a publicly traded company listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, Linde is committed to delivering value to its shareholders, while also prioritizing the needs of its customers and the well-being of society at large. By leveraging its expertise, resources, and global reach, Linde is poised to continue driving innovation and growth in the industrial gases industry for years to come.

Carl von Linde invented a machine for compressing ammonia to make ice in 1875, leading to the creation of his own company in 1879. Initially, the company faced slow demand for refrigeration machines, but found success by engineering and supplying ice factories. In the 1920s, Linde's sales of refrigeration equipment soared after the acquisition of two major competitors. Linde AG expanded into various engineering endeavors beyond refrigeration, such as the production of rare gases and the construction of industrial plants. Linde also established the Linde Air Products Company in Cleveland in 1907. During World War II, Linde's plants were heavily damaged, but economic prosperity in West Germany during the 1950s and 1960s led to a rise in domestic demand for liquid oxygen and nitrogen. Linde continued to innovate, building the world's first heavy water nuclear energy plant in 1955, among other accomplishments.

The plant in Aschaffenburg was destroyed during World War II but became fully functional again by 1950. Linde then began producing the Hydrocar, a platform truck with hydrostatic transmission, and acquired several companies, including an American company and France's largest forklift manufacturer. In the 1980s, Linde's refrigeration and shop equipment division designed energy-efficient units and the company developed new techniques for utilizing wastewater and sewage. The industrial gases division maintained a strong market position, particularly in the steel industry and the semiconductor and glass-fiber industries. The Güldner Aschaffenburg division experienced limited growth due to competition, lower prices, and a worldwide overcapacity.

In the late 1980s, Linde implemented plant modernization to remain competitive in its refrigeration business. In 1991, it ranked 334th in sales worldwide. Linde took advantage of business opportunities in Eastern Europe and China, while expanding its operations in the US. Despite being viewed as a producer of high-quality products, Linde was criticized for its reticence to share information about itself. The company's top officers were engineers who focused on product development. During the late 1990s, Linde built up its gas business through acquisitions, including the purchase of Sweden-based AGA AB in early 2000. The acquisition resulted in the formation of the second largest industrial gas group in Europe, holding about one-quarter of the market. 

In 2002, Linde was ranked fourth among major worldwide industrial gas producers, tied with Air Products and Chemicals, and behind Air Liquide, BOC, and Praxair. Linde had hoped to take control of Messer and acquire most of BOC's US gases business, but these deals fell through due to antitrust concerns. Linde had to reduce debt and increase sales in high-growth markets such as healthcare and hydrogen production. Linde's healthcare business was growing rapidly, particularly the inhaled nitrogen oxide (INO) business in the United States. Linde also had a strong position in the hydrogen vehicle fuel market. Despite economic challenges in Europe in 2003, Linde focused on improving internal operations and expanding globally. In 2004, Linde sold its refrigeration business to Carrier Corporation, allowing the company to concentrate on profitable and leading business segments, such as Gas and Engineering and Material Handling.

In 2006, the company signed a long-term gas supply contract with JSW Steel Ltd, and its former materials handling business was rebranded as KION Group and sold to KKR and Goldman Sachs for €4bn. In 2008, Linde AG relocated its headquarters to Munich and changed its name to The Linde Group. The company has made several acquisitions, including Lincare Holdings Inc. in 2012, which made The Linde Group the largest home care gas supplier in North America. The company merged with Praxair in 2018, and in 2019 it partnered with CarbonCure Technologies. The approval of shareholders for the divestment of the Belloxy Divestment Business was obtained in 2020, and LSAS Services Private Ltd. became a joint venture company. In 2021, the company saw a decrease in the number of demat accounts opened.

The mission of Linde is to be the best performing global industrial gases and engineering company, delivering innovative and sustainable solutions. Their values include empowering people, innovating for customers, thriving through diversity, passion to excel, safety, integrity, sustainability, and respect. Their One Linde Philosophy is composed of five elements: Vision, Mission, Strategic Direction, Values and Behaviors. They strive to make the world more productive every day by helping their customers achieve and maintain the highest standards in healthcare.

Linde aims to establish itself as a top-tier global organization specializing in the production and delivery of gases and engineering solutions. The company is committed to creating long-term value for its clients, employees, and shareholders by providing exceptional services and implementing innovative strategies.

Linde's vision involves a strong focus on sustainability, recognizing the importance of environmental and social responsibility. The company is dedicated to adopting sustainable practices in all aspects of its operations, including energy efficiency, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing. By prioritizing sustainability, Linde seeks to not only benefit its stakeholders but also contribute to a better future for the planet.

Linde's products and services include: 

1. Industrial Gases: Linde provides a range of industrial gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, helium, and hydrogen. These gases are used in a variety of industrial processes, including welding, cutting, and welding. 

2. Engineering Services: Linde provides engineering services for the design, development, and deployment of industrial gas systems. This includes services such as the engineering of liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants, cryogenic systems, and hydrogen fueling systems. 

3. Gas Technologies: Linde provides a range of technologies for the production, storage, and distribution of industrial gases. These include cryogenic storage systems, vaporizer systems, and gas blending systems. 

4. Industrial Solutions: Linde provides a range of industrial solutions for a variety of industries, including food and beverage, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and energy. These solutions can be tailored to meet the needs of the customer. 

5. Safety Services: Linde provides a range of safety services, including consulting, training, and audit services. These services ensure that all industrial gas systems are operating safely and efficiently.