(Archived) Praxair and Preco Agree to Provide Laser Welding and Other Solutions to Fabrication Industry

DANBURY, Conn.,  October 21, 2005 — Praxair, Inc (NYSE: PX) announced today that its subsidiary, Praxair Distribution, Inc., has formed an alliance with Preco, Inc. to promote and sell laser welding, cladding, and heat treating systems and services to the fabrication industry.

"As a proven leader in laser cutting and welding applications, we are combining our strengths to offer customers all of the gases, products, services and technical support they need," said Janet Coffman, vice president of business development for Praxair Distribution, Inc.

In addition to extensive technical expertise and experience, the alliance brings together:

• Praxair's exclusive line of LaserStar™ pure gases and precision formulated gas blends.
• The LaserStar line of gas delivery systems which helps customers maintain the cleanliness of the internal optics and mirrors in the laser reducing maintenance costs.
• Praxair's line of laser consumable parts available through its on-line ordering system Praxair Express^SM or through its local stores.

Through this alliance, fabrication customers will now also be able to evaluate the benefits of the laser welding process for their business.

This is an excellent opportunity for Preco, Inc. to present laser technology and extensive laser processing knowledge to customers via the Praxair network," said Bob Diehl, president and CEO of Preco.

Preco manufactures custom laser systems for welding, cladding, and heat-treating. Preco uses Synrad, Rofin, PRC, Nuvonyx and Trumpf resonators. The types of lasers include CO₂, Nd:YAG, diode and YB Fiber. Since 1978 Preco has engineered and assembled over 1,500 fabrication lasers. With plants and offices in Lenexa, Kansas; Somerset, Wisconsin; and Dayton, Ohio; the company has built systems for automotive, military, medical and industrial applications for metals, synthetics and ceramics.

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 Distribution provides differentiated product and service offerings that help customers solve problems and achieve their objectives efficiently. 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 2004 sales of more than $6.6 billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric and process gases, and high-performance surface coatings. For more information, visit Praxair on the Internet at www.praxair.com.