Linde North America, Murray Hill, N.J., completed its new specialty gases plant in Hammond, Ind., which complements the current industrial and medical gas filling facilities and distribution activities in operation at the site. The new plant produces medical, oxidizing and inert gases and blends along with specialty gas mixtures for scientific and research applications for domestic and international laboratories, universities, power plants, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

“This plant is right in line with our goal to be a total gas supplier and reinforces our commitment to Linde’s independent distributor network, which will have the ability to serve high-quality products to a broad range of end users,” says Bob VanKirk, head of key customers and distributors.

“The specialty gases plant will serve as a production hub for Linde’s U.S. distributor business as well as for specialty medical gases for Linde’s LifeGas unit, which services the healthcare industry,” says Jeffrey Leist, project manager for the new Linde plant.

The plant includes the main inert gas and oxidant gas production room. The individual production areas use new semi-automated filling technology. The new plant also houses a state-of-the-art analytical laboratory with a wide range of specialized and automated sampling systems to assure the quality control necessary to efficiently monitor the new filling processes and analyses of gases produced.

“We employed local contractors from the Hammond/Chicago area for each stage of the project,” says Leist. “That includes engineering design, building construction and fill systems installation. The plant also reflects Linde’s commitment to safety and is equipped with the top-of-the-line plant and employee safety systems and equipment. All specialty gas filling equipment for the new plant is made here in the U.S.”