Air Products & Chemicals (APD)

Competitors to Air Products & Chemicals (APD)

Air Liquide

Air Products & Chemicals and Air Liquide are significant competitors in the industrial gas sector, targeting similar markets with key products like gases for industrial, healthcare, and electronic applications. Air Liquide, based in France, enjoys a robust presence in Europe and Asia, often leveraging its advanced research capabilities to innovate in new gas applications and sustainable practices. Air Products has made substantial investments in hydrogen energy and renewable technology. While Air Liquide may have the upper hand in R&D and market diversification, Air Products excels in its strategic partnerships within the energy sector, particularly in North America.

Linde plc

Air Products & Chemicals and Linde plc compete primarily in the industrial gases sector, where both companies provide oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and specialty gases for a variety of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and energy. Linde has a strong foothold in Europe and is recognized for its extensive distribution network, which gives it an advantage in reaching customers in diverse markets. However, Air Products is noted for its technological innovations and investments in infrastructure, especially in hydrogen production and carbon capture technologies. Overall, both companies have strong market positions, but Linde's established global reach places it slightly ahead.

Messer Group GmbH

Messer Group GmbH competes with Air Products & Chemicals primarily within regional markets, particularly in Europe and parts of Asia. Messer is known for its agility in customer service and specialization in custom gas blends for various industries, including food and beverages. While not as large as Air Products or Linde, Messer benefits from a more localized approach, allowing it to adapt quickly to customer needs. However, Air Products has a more extensive product portfolio and greater financial resources for large capital projects, giving it a significant competitive advantage when targeting major industrial contracts.

Praxair (now part of Linde)

Before its merger with Linde, Praxair was a significant competitor to Air Products & Chemicals in the industrial gas market, focusing on similar customer bases across North America and South America. Although now part of Linde, Praxair's legacy impacts Air Products due to the strong operational efficiencies and customer relationships Praxair developed. Air Products and Praxair (prior to the merger) competed through innovation and customer service, with Air Products often emphasizing cutting-edge technology like on-site production systems. Following the merger, the competitive landscape has shifted, with both companies leveraging Linde's larger network.