(Archived) Praxair Canada Increases Nitrogen Capacity in Alberta

DANBURY, Conn., January 19, 2004 — Praxair Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Praxair, Inc. (NYSE:PX), is adding 650 tons per day of liquid nitrogen capacity at its facilities in Prentiss and Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, in response to increased demand from a surge in oil and gas drilling and well-stimulation activity.

"With this increase in production capability, Praxair is well positioned to meet the projected requirements of our oil- and gas-producing and service-industry customers as well as those of our traditional industrial and food customers," said Rob Hossack, managing director of Praxair Canada. "We also will significantly expand our liquid nitrogen storage and truck-filling capacity to provide fast and reliable service to our customers."

The first two phases of these capacity additions are already complete. Additional capacity expansions are scheduled to be completed at Prentiss in April and July of 2004, and at Fort Saskatchewan by the end of 2004.

Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2003 sales of $5.6 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.