02-05-2013

GE agrees to acquire Salof, a designer and nanufacturer of small LNG technologies

Underscoring its commitment to the small-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, GE Oil & Gas today announced that it has agreed to acquire substantially all of the assets of Schertz, Texas-based Salof Companies, a designer of small–scale LNG technologies.

Privately held Salof is world renowned for its cryogenic plant design and fabrication for small LNG and CO2 applications. GE, a leader in large-scale LNG technologies, recently launched LNG solutions with a significantly smaller footprint and capacity that are complementary to Salof’s offerings. Adding Salof to the portfolio will add additional capabilities and manufacturing footprint, while Salof can draw upon GE’s breadth and global operations, positioning both companies for growth in this sector. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval.

In North America, the demand for small-scale LNG production is growing as vast new discoveries of natural gas are making it cost-efficient to use cleaner burning natural gas for transportation, fleet management, marine and other industrial uses. The technologies can encourage the transition of long-haul trucks and locomotives from diesel fuel to LNG, contribute to emissions reduction, capture flare gas at drilling sites and landfills and help eliminate the need for costly pipeline infrastructure in remote areas. Additionally, small-scale LNG technology is employed to develop export terminal infrastructure for LNG.

“This move is not only good for GE and Salof, it also will provide more options for customers around the world as they look for new ways to cut both emissions and costs by using cleaner burning natural gas,” said Daniel C. Heintzelman, president and CEO, GE Oil & Gas. “Salof has deep small LNG expertise, a strong track record of high-caliber projects and a highly talented workforce. This acquisition expands our strategic footprint in the U.S., and Salof’s Texas site has the potential to be a GE Oil & Gas manufacturing and packaging center of excellence for small LNG technologies.”

Small LNG solutions typically offer customers a cost-effective standard or modular, plug-and-play solution. They can be located in remote areas, industrial sites or even highway fueling stations.  Depending on the design, they can be moved and redeployed as needed.

“GE is well known for its expertise in managing complex global projects, developing manufacturing efficiency and for having a world-class sales and service team,” said David Gordon, president of Salof Companies. “Joining GE lets Salof focus on what it does best—developing and producing great LNG technologies—while simultaneously growing our business globally. It is an exciting move that will have a significant impact on the future of the small-scale LNG industry.”

Salof has nearly 200 employees located at its Schertz manufacturing facility. Together with the U.S. acquisition, GE will acquire a 50 percent ownership interest in Beijing enCryo Engineering Co., Ltd., a Beijing-based joint venture with Beijing Maison Engineering Co., Ltd. that has been a reliable partner with the Salof Companies for projects in China and elsewhere.