(Archived) Praxair's Cryomag Services Business Receives ISO 9001:2000 Certification

DANBURY, Conn., April 11, 2005 — Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) has received ISO 9001:2000 certification for its nine Cryomag Services' helium distribution facilities in the United States. This certification specifically covers the transfill, distribution and final product analysis of helium and nitrogen, and the servicing of superconducting magnets. The company's rare gases business, which also serves these industries, received its ISO 9001:2000 certification in November 2003.

Praxair Cryomag Services is a full-service provider of helium and nitrogen and superconducting magnet services to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) markets, with focused efforts in the healthcare, pharmaceutical and chemical industries as well as universities.

"We are committed to providing our customers with high-quality products and services and this ISO accreditation is recognition of our efforts in this area," said Joe Cappello, vice president of helium, rare gases and Praxair Services, Inc.

In 2004, Praxair Cryomag Services established Cryomag University, where Praxair technicians complete a detailed course of study, intensive lab work and on-the-job training to learn about MRI and NMR transfills and services. This unique capability allows the business to supply certified field engineers directly to its customers. Training takes place at Praxair's Keasbey, New Jersey location.

Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2004 sales of $6.6 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.