In order to remain on the lead, Air Liquide’s goal is to be the leader in the industry by providing superior performance accompanied with long term responsibility. Research and development is at the forefront of Air Liquide so that sustainable solutions and innovative technologies would lead to optimized use of gases and the earth’s natural resources.
Air Liquide started in 1902 when a visionary named Georges Claude and a pragmatic creator named Paul Delome met with the idea of producing oxygen using liquid air. These were the days when technological advances were a daily occurrence. Claude’s contribution to the race to modernization was his determination to separate the components of nitrogen, oxygen and argon by liquefying air. He spent two years, braving technological setbacks and with tireless perseverance, before his success came on May 25, 1902. Claude was able to develop a new process of air liquefaction.
His newly launched company was sealed when Claude and Delome forged a partnership. And on November 8, 1902, a new Plc was established. The starting capital amounted to only 100,000 francs from the subscriptions of 24 shareholders. Air Liquide was established to study and exploit Claude’s processes.
Innovation became the backbone that carried Air Liquide throughout history. The opening of new markets and the support that develops its customers help in the advancement of business and the society as a whole.
After being the leader in the gas industry, Air Liquide is present in 80 countries. As the company entered the 21st century, its major competitor Messer was acquired (in 2005) which bolstered the Air Liquide’s European presence. Its portfolio of new technologies further expanded with the acquisition of Lurgi, an engineering company based in Germany, in 2007.
Further expansions to emerging markets were realized in Egypt, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, China, Panama, Turkey, Mexico and Ukraine.