The Liquid Carbonic Corporation, originally known as the Liquid Carbonic Company, was established in 1888 in Terre Haute, Indiana. For over 50 years, Liquid Carbonic concentrated on the production and supply of carbon dioxide and equipment related to soda fountain and soft drink bottling. In 1914, Liquid Carbonic introduced a low-pressure filling system for bottled carbonated beverages, which increased production and revolutionized the industry. Liquid Carbonic sold Coca-Cola Bottling Company the first low-pressure, carbonated beverage bottle filling system in July 1914.  During World War I, Liquid Carbonic searched for new production possibilities and in 1917, the company’s wood work and cabinet department began production of airplane propellers for the U.S. government. In 1926, Liquid Carbonic changed its name to Liquid Carbonic Corporation as the company expanded its network of carbon dioxide gas plants to Detroit, Indianapolis and Louisville. In that same year, Liquid Carbonic also began producing carbon dioxide snow and so-called “dry-ice” on a commercial scale.

In 1939, Liquid Carbonic Corporation began to manufacture industrial gases, and it acquired Wall Chemicals, Inc., a producer of oxygen, acetylene, and other compressed gases, with plants in Chicago, Detroit and Buffalo. An aggressive acquisition program soon followed, which transformed Liquid Carbonic into one of the world’s largest suppliers of industrial gases. In 1955, Liquid Carbonic began to distribute liquid oxygen, and a fully automated carbon dioxide plant was built in Oakland, California. In 1957, Liquid Carbonic merged with General Dynamics. Subsequently, in 1969, it became part of Houston Natural Gas Corporation.  The following year, Liquid Carbonic entered into the specialty gas business. During the 1970s and 1980s Liquid Carbonic’s geographic expansion continued, and by 1981, it had a total of 85 carbon dioxide plants world-wide. In August 1984, Houston National Gas sold Liquid Carbonic Industries Corporation to CBI Industries Inc., a metal plate construction company.  In 1996, Praxair purchased CBI and fully integrated Liquid Carbonic into their industrial gas organization, where it remains today.

Prior to the late 1970s, asbestos-containing materials were utilized in construction and maintenance of the Liquid Carbonic facility in Albany, New York. Inhaling dust and particles from the application and removal of asbestos-containing materials placed workers at risk for developing serious health problems, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Even those who were not in direct contact with asbestos materials remain at risk for the development of asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. If you or a loved one were employed at Liquid Carbonic Corporation in the Capital District and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer or another asbestos-related disease, we urge you to contact us regarding your legal rights.