(Archived) Praxair Names Bright to Lead Central California Division

DANBURY, Conn., February 9, 2006 — Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) announced the promotion of Bill Bright to general manager of the Central California Division reporting to Praxair Distribution president Wayne Yakich. Bright replaces Steve Byers, who was recently named division general manager of Praxair Distribution's new Southern Division created as a result of the Constar LLC acquisition announced in January 2006.

"Bill brings a solid Praxair background of over 13 years of industrial gas sales experience to this position. His personal leadership qualities have contributed much to our drive to become the industry leader," said Yakich. "I expect Bill to drive his new team with the same dynamic leadership and operational discipline he has always demonstrated to help us meet our safety, growth and productivity objectives. Bill will also focus on continuing our growth in the San Francisco Bay Area by expanding our customer base and further increasing the level of service provided to our customers."

Bill Bright joined Praxair Distribution in February 2000 as territory manager for all biotechnology accounts in Central California. He was named general sales manager in 2004, and is a member of Praxair Distribution's President's Sales Circle.

Praxair Distribution, Inc. and its subsidiaries and distributors deliver a wide 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.

Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2005 sales of $7.7 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