Luxfer expands state-of-the-art manufacturing facility

RIVERSIDE, CA, January 12, 1998 — After the completion of the most successful year in its history, Luxfer Gas Cylinders announced the move of its Composite Cylinder Division to an expanded, state-of-the-art production facility in Riverside, CA.

The 78,000 square foot plant incorporates new, in-line machinery and equipment which will greatly increase Luxfer’s capacity for manufacturing composite gas cylinders. Luxfer is the world’s largest manufacturer of high-pressure aluminum and composite cylinders for most major gas markets.

“Our new factory for the mass production of very lightweight cylinders is world-class and sets a new standard for operations of its kind,” said John Rhodes, president, Luxfer, Inc. “Our new, in-line process flow will speed up manufacturing, better utilize equipment, increase productivity and reduce lost-time.”

This new facility includes the most modern machinery and equipment available including new winding machines, tension creels, curing ovens, production hydrotest and cylinder finishing equipment.

“This additional capacity and improvements will enable us to serve our customers well into the future, providing high-quality composite cylinders on-time and at competitive prices,” explained Ed Morris, general manager, Luxfer Composite Division. “Much of the new plant layout is a direct result of input from our employees who are actively involved in our efforts to continuously improve our manufacturing capabilities.”

The move by the Composite Cylinder Division to Riverside coincides with and places it close to Luxfer’s new U.S. corporate headquarters location. The corporate headquarters offices recently moved out of the original Riverside plant, which manufactures all-aluminum alloy, high-pressure gas cylinders, and into nearby, expanded space. These moves strategically place all three facilities adjacent to each other maximizing administrative and manufacturing efficiencies.

Established in 1898, Luxfer manufactures nearly three million high-pressure aluminum and composite gas cylinders annually for most major gas markets in more than 50 countries, including life support (fire fighting) and HAZMAT (rescue operations), medical, CO2 beverage and fire extinguishers, specialty industrial gases and scuba. With plants in Australia and Europe, Luxfer has its U.S. corporate headquarters in Riverside, CA and manufacturing facilities in Graham, NC and Riverside.