Gulf Cryo’s Legacy: Supplying Industrial Innovation and Medical Solutions across Generations

Gulf Cryo became a reference point for innovation and dependability in the industrial and medical gas sector of the MENA region. Started by Salim Huneidi in 1953, the company began operation under the name Kuwait Oxygen and Acetylene Company (KOAC), opening Kuwait’s first gas manufacturing plant. This visionary move not only satisfied the booming demand for industrial gases in Kuwait but also formed the building blocks of a multi-national conglomerate to specialize exclusively in gas supply. It is now running over 30 subsidiaries across 13 countries, becoming a great leader in the gas journey started with an acute feeling of the local market. He worked as an agent for an international steel structure and construction company, and he found a huge gap in the supply of cuts and welding gases for industrial activities. Filling this gap was the purpose behind the establishment of KOAC in 1953, when he built the first plant for the separation of oxygen in the Arabian Gulf. One of the most memorable instances of early company history is its agreement with the Kuwait Oil Company, which enabled KOAC to take over KOC’s oxygen plant, which was quite small in size. Hence, the demand for industrial gases from local sources will always be there, but the deal with the Kuwait Oil Company laid the groundwork for the future expansions and success of Gulf Cryo.

In 1971, it established the Kuwait Industrial Gases Company (KIGC) in Shuaiba Industrial Area as a step in strengthening the company’s potential to be able to offer its product to the oil and refining sectors. A dedicated pipeline for nitrogen to connect the company directly to the KNPC refineries was developed so that the flow of supply remains constant and as an integrated part of the industrial structure of Kuwait. Such was achieved not only to solidify Gulf Cryo in the local market but also open up pathways towards significant growth in the years leading up to 2017.

During the 2000s, Gulf Cryo continued to expand in operations as it developed into a holding company, expanding its MENA region footprint. The company, Gulf Cryo Qatar, was established in 2006. In 2008, Gulf Cryo Saudi Arabia was established. Investments and acquisitions were seen strategically, such as when Investcorp invested in the company by taking a 20% stake in 2009. The establishment of Gulf Cryo Oman and Gu Iraq, Egypt, and Jordan showed the direction that would be taken by the company and solidified its position among the major regional gas suppliers.

Sustainability has always been at the heart of Gulf Cryo. The company works with EQUATE Petrochemical Company to introduce Kuwait’s first commercial CO₂ recovery plant. Beyond innovation, these efforts highlight a focus on environmentally sustainable practices within the gas industry.  Another sustainability-related area the company focuses on is through O₂ recovery projects and developing four CO₂ hubs in Dubai, Kuwait, Dammam, and Amman to enhance the carbon management landscape in the region.

Gulf Cryo has a vast portfolio of industrial gases that include acetylene, air, argon, carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. There are also suites of medical gases, which include medical oxygen, nitrous oxide, and medical air-a vital requirement for health services. Quality commitment can be seen in Gulf Cryo as the company adheres to international standards that are ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004, and OHSAS 18001:2007.

By using state-of-the-art technology, sustainability, and keeping customers satisfied, surely it will continue its legacy of excellence and propel the next generations in driving the gas industry forward.