CRYOLOR is a subsidiary of AIR LIQUIDE, a CAC 40 company with a turnover of over 20 billion euros, and a global leader in gases, technologies, and services for industry and healthcare. It specializes in gas and air separation, as well as the production of cryogenic cylinders and tanks.
Its main clients include healthcare providers (especially following COVID-19), large industries whose processes require compressed gases, and gas cylinder distributors.
One branch focuses on processes and equipment sizing, while another specializes in research and development as well as niche markets.
CRYOLOR specializes in the production of cylindrical containers for compressed gas. Its headquarters are located in France, with a second manufacturing unit in India, about an hour from Pondicherry. This unit produces for India (30%), the United States (50%), and Asia (20%).
The 7,500 m² production workshop is divided into two parts: the first focuses on preparing the raw materials (shaping, molding of metal sheets sourced from China and India), while the second handles assembly and multiple technical inspections, such as radiographic testing. Indeed, this “high-tech metalworking” trade requires extremely high precision to ensure that the tank delivers gas that meets the client’s technical specifications. The temperature of the vacuum-compressed gas can drop as low as -120°C.
The production time for a container can vary from 2 to 4 months, depending on its volume (ranging from 6,000L to 63,000L). The site currently produces around 160 tanks per year and plans to double its output following the upcoming expansion of the facility.
On another note, the site sets an example in terms of safety (certifications, safety equipment for workers) and even includes a few female welders. It also makes efforts toward sustainable development through waste sorting, the reuse of wastewater for gardening, and the cleaning treatment of water process.
Security and confidentiality measures did not allow us to take photos of the workshop, but here are a few snapshots from this highly enriching visit.
A heartfelt thank you to Florent Stroebel, Managing Director of CRYOLOR Asia Pacific, and his team for warmly welcoming us.
