(Archived) Praxair's StarDirectSM Offers Instant Order Processing and Tracking

DANBURY, Conn., March 21, 2003 — Praxair, Inc. (NYSE:PX) today announced the launch of its StarDirectsm order processing and tracking service that offers same-day shipping of hardgoods and consumables directly from 25 distribution centers strategically located throughout the United States and Canada.

“We’re partnering with our key suppliers to provide a world-class supply chain for welding and cutting machines, filler metals, gas apparatus, safety equipment and other products,” said Dave Wilson, Director of Industrial Hardgoods for Praxair Distribution, Inc., a subsidiary of Praxair, Inc. “With guaranteed fill rates of at least 95 percent, the StarDirect service ensures one-stop shopping and reliable, on-time delivery. We’re confident that it will be the best hardgoods replenishment service our customers have ever experienced.”

The StarDirect service begins with instant, accurate order processing and tracking. When the customer places an order on Praxair Express^sm, the easy-to-use, e-Business extranet web site, the order automatically is sent to the regional distribution center that will provide optimum service. Customers also have the option of ordering by phone through a customer service representative.

Over 30,000 items from more than 200 manufacturers, including Praxair’s premium quality ProStar® brand products, are consolidated into regional distribution centers to ensure high fill rates. Other advantages of the StarDirect service include:

• Automatic selection of the most efficient, cost-effective transport methods for overnight and second-day deliver
• Reduced product handling ensures shipping accuracy and reliability
• Premium quality product sourcing
• Immediate access to the larget inventory of welding products in North America through Praxair Express extranet and Praxair's eCatalog
• Automated warehousing management systems assures continuous product rotation
• Access to innovative solutions and technical support
• Orders placed by 4 p.m. will be shipped that day

Praxair Distribution, Inc. and its subsidiaries and distributors deliver a large array of industrial and specialty gases, equipment and supplies, technical expertise, and services to thousands of customers in the United States and Canada. With hundreds of locations throughout North America, Praxair provides differentiated product and service offerings that help customers achieve their objectives faster, better and at lower total cost. For more information on Praxair's offerings to the metal fabrication industry, visit www.praxair.com/metalfab.

Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2002 sales of $5.1 billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric and process gases, and high-performance surface coatings. Praxair products, services and technologies bring productivity and environmental benefits to a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, chemicals, food and beverage, electronics, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and others. More information on Praxair is available on the Internet at www.praxair.com.