◆18 May. 2012 JAXA succeeds in launch of H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 21

◆17 May. 2012 AWI reports increased sales and profit growth for 9 straight term

◆16 May. 2012 TNSC reports increase in net profit despite the decreased income

◆15 May. 2012 Chart Japan plans a new logistics/maintenance center

◆11 May. 2012 Iwatani develops new welding gas based on H2

◆10 May. 2012 Chairman Sadao Fukao of Zenyoren won Medal of Blue Ribbon

◆9 May. 2012 BLM to increase price for helium to $84 per Mcf

◆26 Apr. 2012 Sanyo Air Chemicals halts plant due to explosion at Mitsui's Otak

◆25 Apr. 2012 TNSC and Riken Keiki participated as exhibitors in SEA JAPAN 2012

◆24 Apr. 2012 Air Water enriches its product lineup of nitrogen PSA

◆20 Apr. 2012 PERIC passes NF3 quality control inspection put out by ShowaDenko

◆19 Apr. 2012 JIMGA rejects TEPCO's request for electric rate increases at the

“Signing of the third He contract” interview with Akiji Makino, president of Iwatani

Akiji Makino, president of Iwatani, is as energetic as ever.  On January 30 in the US he signed a 10-year contract with Praxair for the importation of helium.

In addition to this, for the liquid hydrogen business which could be considered as the lifetime work of the Makino, Yamaguchi Liquid Hydrogen, a joint venture with the major chemical producer Tokuyama, is scheduled to start up this autumn.  This marks the third plant of liquid hydrogen for Iwatani.  However, they don?t want to loose up on investment because Makino thinks that 3 plants are still just not enough to achieve the hydrogen society. He is looking at installing more liquid hydrogen plant.

The amount of hydrogen handling technology accumulated by Iwatani can be said to have reached the highest level in Japan.  Still, aiming at a raising of the level of their overall technology, they have announced the setting up of a new comprehensive technology center on the lot vacated by the LP Gas Center in Amagasaki, with the investment for this coming to about ¥3 billion.

Makino told his view for the hydrogen business with an expression full of drive. (The interview to be shown in The Gas Review No.354)